Chirag and Satwik Exit Malaysia Open 2025 After Semi-Final Loss
Indian badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy lost in the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open 2025, finishing the tournament after a defeat to Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae. Despite a strong performance, they were unable to secure a victory. The duo is set to compete next at the India Open in New Delhi.
The campaign of Indian badminton pair Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy concluded at the Malaysia Open 2025, where they were defeated in the semi-finals of the men’s doubles event. The duo, seeded seventh, faced the Republic of Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae, succumbing to a score of 21-10, 21-15 in a 40-minute match, thereby ending India’s participation in the BWF Super 1000 tournament.
Satwik acknowledged the performance of their opponents, stating, “They played well… They didn’t give away any easy points and made us work hard for every point.” Despite the disappointment, he noted that it had been a good tournament for them. Initially trailing from the outset, Chirag and Satwik fell behind early in the first game, and although they mounted a short-lived comeback in the second game, they ultimately could not maintain their lead and lost.
Chirag added, “Maybe we gave away a few easy points,” emphasizing the need for execution of their game plan. Kim Won-ho is recognized as a silver medallist in mixed doubles from the Paris 2024 Olympics, while Seo Seung-jae holds the distinction of being a reigning world champion in both men’s and mixed doubles. Previously, Satwik and Chirag had reached the finals in the last edition of this tournament.
The tournament also saw early exits for other Indian contenders, including Paris 2024 Olympians Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy, while two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu opted to abstain from competing. The Indian badminton fraternity will next convene at home for the India Open, scheduled to commence on Tuesday in New Delhi.
The Malaysia Open is a significant event on the badminton calendar, classified as a BWF Super 1000 tournament. It attracts top players and serves as crucial preparation for upcoming championships, including the Olympics. The presence of elite competitors such as Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae highlights the tournament’s competitive nature. Indian badminton has seen notable success in recent years, contributing to a growing fan base and heightened expectations, particularly with the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon.
In conclusion, the early exit of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open 2025 reflects the challenges faced by Indian shuttlers in a highly competitive setting. Despite the loss, both players recognized their opponents’ strengths while expressing a commitment to learning from the experience. The focus now shifts to the upcoming India Open as Indian badminton players strive to reclaim glory on their home turf.
Original Source: olympics.com
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