From Champions to Shock Exit: Satwik-Chirag’s Asian Games Campaign Ends Early
After getting off to a great start, Satwik acknowledged that the two lost control. He believed they failed to handle the pressure at crucial times and gave their opponents an opportunity to rally in the second game. He also mentioned that they need to get better at the mental aspect of the game.
XtraTime Webdesk: At the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, defending champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were shockingly eliminated in the first round of the men's doubles badminton competition on Friday. In a match that lasted one hour and eight minutes, the world No. 5 Indian pair lost to Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Peeratchai Sukphun of Thailand 12-21, 21-19, and 21-14.
After getting off to a great start, Satwik acknowledged that the two lost control. He believed they failed to handle the pressure at crucial times and gave their opponents an opportunity to rally in the second game. He also mentioned that they need to get better at the mental aspect of the game.
The Indian duo was playing shortly after a late end to their team-event campaign. Satwik added that despite their preparation, the situation was challenging due to the intense schedule. After the first game, Chirag also acknowledged that they weren't playing at their best. He claimed that the Thai duo made good use of cross-court strokes and that the Indians might have played more coolly and strategically. Satwik saw the loss as a teaching moment despite the dismal exit. The two now want to enhance their mental preparation for next major competitions by using the setback.