Indian badminton fans are celebrating as the dynamic men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have stormed into the semifinals of the BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris. This victory assures India of a medal at the prestigious tournament, marking their second World Championships medal after their bronze in 2022.

Triumph Over Nemesis

In a commanding performance at the Adidas Arena, the world number 9 duo defeated Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, the world number 2 pair, with a score of 21-12, 21-19. This win was particularly sweet, as Chia and Soh had previously defeated Satwik and Chirag in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian pair showcased their exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, turning the tables and avenging their earlier defeat.

The match was a display of aggressive badminton, with Satwik and Chirag maintaining relentless pressure. Chirag's strong start with a drive-serve winner and a subsequent 59-shot rally set the tone for the match. The Indians dominated the first game, leading 11-5 at the mid-game interval, with Satwik's skillful cross-lift adding to their advantage. Despite a late comeback attempt by the Malaysians in the second game, Satwik and Chirag held their nerve, securing the win in 43 minutes.

India's Medal Streak Continues

This victory not only secures a medal for Satwik and Chirag but also extends India's impressive streak of winning a medal at every World Championships since 2011. Their journey to the semifinals saw them overcome familiar rivals with a "devastating display of attacking badminton".

Semifinal Clash and Broadcast Details

Satwik and Chirag are set to face China's Liu Yi and Chen Bo Yang, the world number 11 pair, in the semifinal. The match is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, with an approximate start time of 9:50 pm IST.

For viewers in India, the Satwik-Chirag semifinal match will be broadcast on the Star Sports network. Live streaming will also be available.

Other Indian Contingents

While Satwik and Chirag celebrate their semifinal entry, PV Sindhu's quest for a sixth World Championships medal ended with a defeat against Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani. Additionally, the mixed doubles duo of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila bowed out in the quarterfinals.