At just 20 years old, Ayush Shetty has emerged as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects. The Mangaluru shuttler from Karkala recently clinched a historic silver medal at the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China — India’s first men’s singles silver at the event in 61 years. After stunning top players including World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Jonatan Christie, and Li Shi Feng, Shetty fell to China’s Shi Yuqi in the final. Yet that breakthrough has ignited his campaign for the Thomas Cup, which begins April 24 in Denmark.
Beyond the court, Shetty draws unexpected strength from Japanese anime. One Piece tops his list, with Roronoa Zoro as his favourite character. As per The New Indian Express report, in a chat with CE in Bengaluru, Shetty said, “He is hardworking, disciplined in pursuing his goals, loyal to his crew, and wants to become the best in the world, which inspires me a lot”. The epic tales of perseverance and strategy help him reset after intense training sessions and matches. He also frequently revisits Attack on Titan, appreciating its themes of resilience amid struggle.
These stories go beyond entertainment. Shetty binge-watches episodes post-training because they are quick and recharge him with positive energy. The psychological boost translates into on-court creativity — mixing shots, breaking rhythms, and building defensive resilience, much like the unpredictable battles in his favourite series. “It is a space that not only helps me switch off, but also shapes my mindset,” he explained. He even dreams of delivering smashes with anime-like speed and ferocity.
Now in Denmark preparing for his Thomas Cup debut, Shetty joins a strong Indian squad featuring Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the formidable doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty. Fresh off his Asia silver, the 20-year-old carries renewed belief: “Winning silver has been a huge source of motivation… it pushes me to raise my level.”
As India aims for a second Thomas Cup title, Shetty’s unique blend of elite athletic discipline and anime-inspired mental toughness could prove a game-changer. In a sport as demanding as badminton, this young giant-slayer is writing his own epic one smash at a time.