The dreaded quarter-final had just ended in Paris 2024 and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, India's men's doubles badminton pair, had come to do their customary media chat in the mixed zone. They looked lost and understandably so. The Olympic dream was over and in the most cruel fashion. For half the match, they were in control. And then things just went south way too quickly. It was an opportunity lost and they knew it more than any one of us. The truth is they couldn’t speak. No one can. And the depression and pain was real. For days and weeks, it wouldn’t go away.
I met Chirag yet again in Delhi a month later. He looked worn out and sad. Not the Chirag we know and it was evident the trauma was still real. Yes he mentioned a comeback and said they will not breathe easy till they win an Olympic medal. But at the time it seemed mere words more than anything else. With Satwik injured, the comeback to the circuit was taking time and the return is always harder than it seems. Paris had tested them and pushed them back.
That’s what makes this World Championship bronze special. Yes it was the same venue and the same stage of the tournament. Most importantly, it was in the mind. To be able to conquer the demons. Win the battle within and make it back. While I am in agreement with everyone who say they should have won the semi-final, I must say for this one tournament the bronze will suffice. The redemption arc is complete and it will set them up for many more going forward.
The truth is they are as good as any other pair at the moment and there isn’t anything to separate the best few in the world. While the Koreans have looked invincible, sooner than later others will catch up. In this ultra competitive field, it is not just about the game. It is also about tactical planning, strategy, adaptability and strength of mind. With coach Tan Kim Her in their corner, Satwik and Chirag are better off at the moment.
So what’s the way ahead for the duo? Will the World Championship bronze be the turnaround that all of us were waiting for? What about workload management and how will they pace themselves in the next few months?
While coach Tan has already said that Super Series finals towards the end of the year is the next target, suffice to say that the duo will know there is no real target as such. They need to enjoy and they need to be consistent. With the quality they have, all else will fall into place.
As is the case with sport, there is always a second chance. Satwik and Chirag too had theirs in Paris and may I say made the most of it. While nothing can replace an Olympic medal, it was redemption for sure and that’s what will define them going forward. The comeback and the resilience. The hard grind and the commitment. The dive that one can watch on loop a hundred times. Paris was the return of Satwik and Chirag and now I want to see them enjoy what they do and soak in every moment that they are in court together.
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