India’s 21-year-old Ayush Shetty produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 BWF World Championships, defeating world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China in a dramatic first-round men’s singles encounter in New Delhi.
Making his World Championships debut, Shetty defeated the top seed 21–14, 13–21, 21–19 in a match that lasted approximately 73 minutes at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The victory sent the defending champion crashing out in the opening round and immediately put the young Indian shuttler in the international spotlight.
🔥 A dramatic three-game battle
Shetty began the match with remarkable confidence, using aggressive net play and powerful attacking shots to take the opening game 21–14. Shi Yu Qi, who entered the tournament as both the world No. 1 and defending champion, responded strongly in the second game, winning it 21–13 to force a decider.
The third game became the defining moment of the contest.
Shetty established a commanding advantage, leading 17–5, but the experienced Chinese champion launched a spectacular comeback. Shi reduced the deficit dramatically, putting enormous pressure on the Indian youngster as the finish approached. Despite the momentum shifting, Shetty held his nerve and eventually closed out the deciding game 21–19.
🇮🇳 A breakthrough moment for Shetty
The victory is particularly significant because it came against an opponent who had previously dominated their meetings. Before this match, Shetty had lost all three of his previous encounters with Shi Yu Qi, including a heavy defeat at the Badminton Asia Championships in April.
This time, however, Shetty stayed aggressive and composed when it mattered most. After the match, he credited the home crowd in New Delhi for giving him additional energy and confidence during the tense final stages.
🏸 India makes a perfect start
Shetty’s victory was not the only positive development for the hosts.
India enjoyed a 5–0 winning record on the opening day of the World Championships. Alongside Shetty, PV Sindhu, the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, and other Indian entries also progressed from their opening-round matches.
Sindhu began her campaign with a convincing straight-games victory, while India’s doubles representatives also advanced, giving the home contingent significant momentum heading into the second day.
🌟 India’s badminton moment on home soil
The 2026 BWF World Championships are being held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, marking the return of the prestigious tournament to India after 17 years. The event is bringing the world’s leading badminton players to the country, with India’s established stars and emerging talents competing in front of a home audience.
For Shetty, however, the tournament has already become a landmark occasion. A player making his first appearance at the World Championships has eliminated the top seed and reigning champion in the very first round.
The victory also opens up the men’s singles draw considerably for the Indian youngster. He now moves into the Round of 32, with expectations around him rising sharply after his sensational opening-round performance.
India’s BWF campaign could hardly have asked for a more dramatic opening — and Ayush Shetty has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the tournament already.
