Ayush Shetty stuns world No. 1 on India’s dream day at BWF Worlds

The BWF World Championships returned to India after 17 years on Monday, and all five Indian shuttlers in action won their opening matches at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi. The biggest story of the day was 21-year-old Ayush Shetty, who on his World Championship debut defeated defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in a 73-minute thriller. Times Now and Hindustan Times both described it as one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, a five-time World Championship medallist, began her campaign with a dominant 21-7, 21-11 win over Ireland's Sophia Noble in 29 minutes. Sindhu told Hindustan Times she felt butterflies before stepping on court, saying the home atmosphere is 'completely different' and calling it a privilege to chase another medal in front of Indian fans. The day also saw victories for the men's doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun, and women's doubles pairs Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand Pullela and Kavipriya Selvam-Simran Singhi.

On Tuesday, five more Indians are scheduled to play. Lakshya Sen, a 2021 bronze medallist, will face Austria's Collins Valentine Filimon in the men's singles round of 64, while 18-year-old Unnati Hooda makes her World Championship debut against Myanmar's Thuzar Thet Htar. Jolly and Gopichand will play their women's doubles round of 32 match against the US pair of Lauren Lam and Allison Lee.