India’s top-ranked men’s doubles players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, sailed through to the second round of the All England Open 2025 on Wednesday.
Returning to the court after his father’s demise, Satwiksairaj along with his partner Chirag, defeated Danish pair Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard 21-17, 21-15 in just 40 minutes at the BWF Super 1000 event.
After sealing the victory, Satwiksairaj looked towards the heaven, dedicating the win to his late father.
India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the second round of the men’s doubles competition at the All England Open with a straight-game victory over Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard on Wednesday.
Returning to the court after his father’s loss last month, Satwik, along with his doubles partner Chirag, put on an impressive display, securing a 21-17, 21-15 win in just 40 minutes.
Moments after sealing the victory, Satwik raised his finger to the sky, his gaze fixed skyward — perhaps dedicating the win to his father.
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“It’s tough, but that’s how life is,” said Satwik. “It wasn’t expected.” The 24-year-old from Amalapuram expressed his gratitude to his partner for being there during this challenging time.
“During hard times he (Shetty) came to my home town, we practised there a bit, and for that I’m thankful. He was there during my injury; his parents came down and our coach also came down to my home town.
“My father always wanted to bring them there.”
Reflecting on the same, Chirag said: “Credit to Satwik, what he’s gone through and how he’s come back and decided to play here, nobody could do that.
“Kudos to him, he’s a strong-willed person to come out of it, and keep it all aside, because that’s what his dad would’ve wanted him to do. I’m proud to be his partner.”
The top-ranked Indian men’s doubles shuttler will take on seventh seeded Hao Nan Xie and Wei Han Zeng in the round of 16 on Thursday.