‘A sense of belonging, we owe it to each other’: Satwik-Chirag on their bond

The ranks of badminton history are etched with exceptional duos who have shared an unbreakable bond. Among them, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stand out as a shining example of what true partnership entails. Their journey together is a testament to the power of unity, determination, and mutual respect.

The missing Olympic medal may have been the strongest glue that held Satwik and Chirag together. Every other achievement pales in comparison to this historic partnership, which has weathered criticism, injuries, and losses. The duo has consistently fought hard, stuck together, and remained elite, earning a loyal fanbase along the way.

From their contrasting backgrounds in Mumbai and Andhra Pradesh, Satwik and Chirag learned to navigate cultural differences. Despite these challenges, they never considered taking a break or partnering with others. The thought never crossed their minds, as they knew there was so much more to achieve.

Chirag emphasizes the importance of open communication in their relationship, stating that they discuss everything, even when they disagree. They aim to win, and that underpinning emotion fuels their efforts. Satwik adds that they have always shared the same goals, from becoming World No.1 to winning an Asian Games gold medal in Hangzhou.

The duo has experienced numerous firsts for India in doubles, a sport that was once overlooked. Chirag acknowledges the responsibility they bear to Indian doubles and badminton, stating that they owe it to the sport. Despite losses and setbacks, they have used these challenges to come back stronger, always focusing on one match at a time.

As they prepare for future tournaments, Satwik and Chirag remain dedicated to continuous improvement, focusing on defense and maintaining the rhythm of their game. They don't feel extra pressure to defend their Asian Games crown, knowing that other top pairings will face similar challenges. After a brief rest, they are ready to tackle the next challenge, pushing themselves to new heights.