Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Reach Semifinals in Malaysia Badminton Championships

India, 28 December 2025 — India's top badminton duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, advanced to the semifinals of the Malaysia Badminton Championships on Thursday. The Indian pair secured their spot by defeating the South Korean team of Choi Sol-gyu and Kim Won-ho in a straight-set victory 21-16, 21-19. The match, held in Kuala Lumpur, saw the Indian players demonstrate strong defensive skills and precise smashes, which overwhelmed their opponents.

Rankireddy and Shetty, currently ranked in the top five in the world, have been in stellar form this season, making the semifinals a crucial step in their quest for the championship title. Their performance in Malaysia is seen as a significant boost ahead of the upcoming All England Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the badminton calendar.

The Indian duo will face the Japanese pair of Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi in the semifinal match. Hoki and Kobayashi are known for their aggressive playing style, posing a challenging hurdle for Rankireddy and Shetty.

The ongoing tournament in Malaysia is part of the BWF World Tour, which attracts top talent from around the globe. Indian fans are hopeful that Rankireddy and Shetty will continue their impressive run and clinch the title, which would further solidify their position on the global stage.