Ayush Shetty, the 20-year-old badminton player, is in the spotlight as he navigates his transition from junior to senior level at the India Open Super 750, taking place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from January 13-18. This tournament marks a significant moment for Shetty, providing a platform to showcase his skills against seasoned professionals on home soil.

Shetty, currently ranked 32nd in the world, has already made a name for himself by winning the US Open Super 300 in 2025 and securing a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships. His list of defeated opponents includes notable players such as Kodai Naraoka, Loh Kean Yew, Chou Tien Chen, and Brian Yang. Most recently, he stunned Lee Zii Jia, a Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medalist, at the Malaysia Open 2026.

However, the India Open draw has presented an immediate challenge for Shetty. He is set to face Lakshya Sen, the 2022 India Open champion and a formidable opponent, in the opening round. This all-Indian clash means that only one of them can advance to the next stage, adding extra pressure to the encounter. The winner of the Shetty-Sen match may then face either Chou Tien Chen or Kenta Nishimoto.

Despite the tough draw, Shetty's recent performance at the Malaysia Open demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level. He not only defeated Lee Zii Jia but also pushed Shi Yuqi, the reigning world champion, to a thrilling three-game match. Although Shetty ultimately lost to Shi, he proved his ability to challenge top-ranked players.

The India Open, upgraded to a Super 750 tournament since 2023, is a crucial event in the BWF World Tour. This year, the tournament has moved to a larger multi-purpose hall within the Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex, which will also host the BWF World Championships in August. This provides players with an opportunity to test the conditions ahead of the World Championships.

Other Indian players to watch at the India Open include PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and HS Prannoy. Sindhu will face Vietnam's Thuy Linh Nguyen in the opening round, while Srikanth will compete against Lin Chun-Yi. Prannoy will play against Lee Cheuk Yiu. In men's doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, India's best podium hope, will face Chen Zhi Yi and Presley Smith.

Ayush Shetty's journey at the India Open is more than just a tournament; it's a crucial step in his evolution as a senior badminton player. His performance will be closely watched as he aims to solidify his position on the international stage and build upon his promising career.