Indian badminton got a big reason to cheer as 20-year-old Ayush Shetty won the US Open Super 300 title on June 29, 2025. He played brilliantly and defeated Canada’s Brian Yang in the final in straight games – 21-18, 21-13 – at Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA. With this win, Ayush became the first Indian men’s singles player to win an international badminton title in 2025.
This victory means a lot for Indian badminton, especially when the senior players like PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen are struggling with form. Ayush stepped up and showed that the future of Indian badminton looks bright.
A Dominant Final Performance
Ayush entered the final with full confidence after beating top-ranked players in earlier rounds. In the final match against Brian Yang, Ayush started strong. He controlled the game from the start and didn’t let Yang settle. Even though he injured his knee during the first game and started bleeding, he stayed focused and didn’t let it affect his game. He later said the injury was “nothing major.”
Ayush took a lead midway through the first game and maintained it till the end. He won the first game 21-18. In the second game, he came out even stronger. He built a quick lead, going up 7-2, and kept pushing with his fast smashes and smart net play. Brian tried to fight back, but Ayush didn’t give him a chance. He won the second game 21-13 and took the title in just 47 minutes.
Journey to the Final
Ayush had a tough road to the final. In the semi-final, he faced world No. 6 Chou Tien-Chen of Chinese Taipei. Ayush lost the first game 21-23 but bounced back strongly to win the next two games 21-15 and 21-14. He showed great stamina, fighting spirit, and smart shot selection.
Earlier in the tournament, he beat several strong players and showed that he could handle pressure. His ability to stay calm during tight situations impressed many former players and coaches.
Strengths and Playing Style
Ayush Shetty stands 6 feet 4 inches tall. His height gives him an advantage on the court. He hits steep, powerful smashes that are hard to return. He also uses clever drop shots and tight net play to confuse his opponents.
His coach, U Vimal Kumar, praised Ayush for improving his defense and fitness. He also said Ayush is working hard on adding more variety to his game. According to him, Ayush now attacks more smartly and shows better control in long rallies.
Ayush’s playing style mixes aggression with strategy. He knows when to push hard and when to slow down. This ability helped him outsmart experienced players throughout the US Open.
First Indian Men’s Singles Title in 2025
Indian badminton fans waited a long time in 2025 to see a title win. Top players like Sindhu, Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen couldn’t win any major tournaments. Ayush’s win at the US Open broke that dry spell and gave hope for better results ahead.
Many experts believe that this title will give Ayush the confidence to perform even better in upcoming tournaments. It also gives Indian badminton a new face to follow and support.
A Fast Rise in the Rankings
Ayush Shetty has had a strong season so far. He started 2025 ranked around world No. 48 and has now climbed into the top 30. This US Open title will boost his ranking further and open the door for more top-level tournaments.
Before this, Ayush won a bronze medal at the 2023 World Junior Championships. He also reached the semi-finals of the Orléans Masters and the Taipei Open, beating strong players like Loh Kean Yew and Kidambi Srikanth. These results showed that he had the potential to do well at the senior level.
He trains at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. The academy’s world-class coaching and training support have played a big role in his growth as a player.
Reaction from the Player and Coach
After winning the final, Ayush said,
“This title means a lot to me. It’s my first win at the senior level and I played some of my best badminton this week. I want to thank my coaches and supporters. I’m looking forward to doing well in Canada next.”
His coach, Vimal Kumar, said,
“Ayush has improved a lot in the last six months. He uses his height well, his smashes are powerful, and his net game is sharp. We’re working on his defense and consistency. Our goal is to get him into the top 25 by the end of the year.”
Next Stop: Canada Open
Ayush is not taking a break after the US Open win. He will now play at the Canada Open, another Super 300 tournament. He enters the tournament as the fifth seed and will face fellow Indian shuttler S Sankar Muthusamy in the first round.
The Canada Open gives Ayush another chance to earn ranking points and build on his winning momentum. His coach believes he can win back-to-back titles if he keeps playing with the same confidence and energy.
What This Win Means for Indian Badminton
Ayush Shetty’s win sends a strong message: India’s next generation is ready to take charge. His victory shows that young players can step up and win big matches on the international stage.
This title also brings hope at a time when India’s top players are not getting the desired results. Ayush’s success adds depth to India’s men’s singles lineup and increases competition among players.
He has shown that hard work, focus, and the right guidance can help young players achieve big things. His story will inspire many other juniors who dream of making it big in badminton.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
Ayush Shetty’s victory at the US Open Super 300 is not just a personal achievement, but a proud moment for Indian badminton. He played fearless, smart, and attacking badminton throughout the tournament. His win came at a time when Indian fans needed a new hero.
Ayush now looks ready to take on the world. If he keeps working hard, stays injury-free, and keeps improving his game, he can soon join the league of India’s top badminton stars. The journey has just begun, but the signs are all positive.
Indian badminton fans can now look forward to cheering for Ayush Shetty – a rising star with the skills and mindset to go far.
