The 2026 Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, has reached its thrilling conclusion. Indian sensation Ayush Shetty has scripted history by becoming the first Indian men’s singles player in decades to reach the final of this prestigious continental tournament. He is set to face the formidable world number two, Shi Yu Qi, in a high-stakes summit clash.
Match Schedule and Timing (IST)
The final match between Ayush Shetty and Shi Yu Qi is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, 2026. Based on the official order of play, this is Match 4 on Court 1.
The finals session begins at 10:00 AM local time (CST). With India being 2.5 hours behind China, the estimated timings are as follows:
Finals Session Start: 10:00 AM CST / 7:30 AM IST
Ayush Shetty vs Shi Yu Qi: Est. 3:30 PM CST / Est. 1:00 PM IST
Note: As this is a “Followed By” Match 4, the exact start time is subject to the duration of the three preceding matches, which include the Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Men’s Doubles finals.
The Match Outlook
This final promises to be a tactical masterclass between two players at the top of their game. Ayush Shetty enters the court with nothing to lose and a reputation for breaking down the defensive walls of higher-ranked opponents. Shi Yu Qi will look to use his explosive smash and home-crowd support to dictate the pace from the opening serve. The key to the match will lie in Shetty’s ability to handle Shi’s early aggression and push the game into long, exhausting rallies where he often thrives. It is a classic battle of youth and momentum versus experience and power.
The Road to the Final
Ayush Shetty has been on a giant-killing spree throughout the tournament, showcasing incredible resilience to reach the gold medal match. He now faces his ultimate test against China’s Shi Yu Qi. While Shi Yu Qi holds the home-court advantage and a higher ranking, Shetty’s tactical brilliance and recent momentum make him a serious contender for the title.
Indian fans can catch the action live as Shetty aims to clinch a historic victory on Asian soil.