Asian Games 2026: Satwik-Chirag suffer shock first-round exit to World No. 36 opponents
The duo were one of the biggest medal contenders for India
India’s campaign at the Asian Games 2026 suffered a huge setback as the reigning men’s doubles champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty exited in the opening round on Friday, September 25.
The Indian stars saw their men’s doubles title defence come to an end, losing 21-12, 19-21, 14-21 to Thailand’s Pakkapan Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun.
Satwik-Chirag had entered the tournament as the fourth seed and were one of the biggest medal contenders for India, but had an immensely disappointing outing at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
Also Read: Badminton at Asian Games 2026: Full schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
Satwik-Chirag let slip early control
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The Indian pair started the contest on the front foot, winning the opening game 21-12 in 20 minutes. However, the Hangzhou 2022 Games gold medallists failed to maintain the momentum, with Teeraratsakul and Sukphun edging the second game 21-19 after 24 minutes.
The decider completely went in the Thai pair’s direction, who won it 21-14 in 19 minutes. This completed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, with Teeraratsakul and Sukphun stunning Satwik and Chirag in one hour and eight minutes.
Meanwhile, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advanced to the mixed doubles quarter-finals after beating the Malaysian duo of Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie 22-20, 24-22.
The Indian pair will now face world No. 1 Feng Yang Zhe and Huang Dong Ping of China in the quarter-finals on Sunday, September 27.
How did Satwik-Chirag perform at Asian Games 2026?
The defending champions suffered a shock first-round defeat to Thailand’s Pakkapan Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun in the men’s doubles event.
How did Indian badminton players perform on Day 6 (September 25) of Asian Games 2026?
Satwik and Chirag suffered a first-round exit in the men’s doubles event. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto reached the mixed doubles quarter-finals after defeating Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jamie 22-20, 24-22.
What seed were Satwik-Chirag at the Asian Games 2026?
The Indian duo entered the tournament as the fourth seed and were considered one of India’s biggest medal contenders in men’s doubles.
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