# Ayush Shetty to face top seed Shi Yu Qi on debut

2026-08-10T10:20:04+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Ayush Shetty will play World No.1 and reigning champion Shi Yu Qi in the first round of the BWF World Championships, his debut at the tournament. The 21-year-old Indian said he feels no revenge or pressure despite losing to the Chinese shuttler in all three previous meetings, including the 2026 Asian Championships final. The World Championships are returning to India after 17 years. Shetty has modified his training, making sessions longer and tougher, and aims to be more aggressive on court. He said he is focusing only on the first round and not thinking about a potential second-round opponent. “I see it as a really special tournament,” he told Sportstar.

## Coverage

- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/badminton/ayush-shettys-next-test-from-watching-the-world-championship-draw-to-facing-shi-yu-qi-on-debut-11889433>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/badminton/ayush-shettys-next-test-from-watching-the-world-championship-draw-to-facing-shi-yu-qi-on-debut-11889433#publisher=newsstand>
- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/badminton/ayush-shetty-maiden-bwf-world-championships-2026-shi-yu-qi-opening-round-interview/article71327556.ece>

Tags: Ayush Shetty, badminton, debut, indian shuttler, shi yu qi, World Championships
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