Ayush Shetty, a 20-year-old badminton player from Karkala, has always looked up to Viktor Axelsen, the Danish Olympic champion. Initially drawn to the speed and explosiveness of Lee Chong Wei, Ayush later shifted his admiration to Axelsen as he grew taller and realized the potential for greatness in a player of his stature.
During a training session in Dubai a couple of years ago, Axelsen himself noted the resemblance between Ayush and his younger self, praising the Indian teenager’s skills on the court. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Ayush possesses a powerful smash and remarkable reach that dominate the court.
Ayush’s journey to the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo was marked by challenges, including overcoming a back injury. Despite early setbacks at the Malaysia and Indonesia Opens, Ayush remained resilient. In Ningbo, he showcased his talent, defeating higher-ranked opponents and making it to the final against Shi Yu Qi.
While Ayush fell short in the final, Vimal Kumar, his coach, emphasized the importance of the experience gained. Ayush’s game is evolving, focusing on improving shot variation and strategic play. Although defeated in the final, Ayush’s potential and dedication to improvement are evident.
Training alongside the likes of PV Sindhu and Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Ayush continues to refine his skills, particularly in net-play and movement. Acknowledging his strengths in smashes, Ayush aims to enhance his game further by working on defense, speed, and physical strength.
With a supportive coaching staff and training partners, Ayush is on a promising trajectory in the world of badminton. While victory eluded him in the recent championship, Ayush’s growth and potential are unmistakable, setting the stage for a bright future in the sport.