‘Satwik-Chirag are favourites for Olympic medal’: Gopichand

Updated On: 19 June, 2023 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashwin Ferro

Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand rates India’s World No. 6 men’s doubles team’s final victory over Malaysian world champs Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik very highly

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India’s Chirag Shetty (left) and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy celebrate after winning the Indonesia Open doubles title in Jakarta yesterday. Pic/AP,PTI

A shirtless Chirag Shetty on court, celebrating an international title is becoming a common sight, and India’s badminton aficionados will be hoping that continues at least till next year’s Paris Olympics, if not longer. Incidentally, chief national coach Pullela Gopichand believes that’s a certainty, after Chirag and his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy stunned world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia in straight games, 21-17, 21-18 in the final of the Indonesia Open in Jakarta on Sunday.

‘Fine win at special venue’

“The Indonesia Open is a big win on the Tour. It’s special to win in that atmosphere at such a great venue [the Istora Senayan is an iconic venue for badminton, almost like what Wimbledon is to tennis or Lord’s is to cricket]. This title ranks right up there with a World Championship medal or an All England Open Championships or a China Open title, all of which are among the toughest. Undoubtedly, Satwik and Chirag will now be favourites in whichever tournament they enter, be it the Asian Games later this year or next year’s Paris Olympics,” Gopichand told mid-day. This is the first Super 1000 title for Satwik and Chirag, also making them the first Indian pair to win in this prestigious category.

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