From Sanur to international spotlight: Ayush Shetty to lead Indian team in BWF Junior World Badminton Championship

Team Udayavani, Aug 13, 2023, 9:31 AM IST

Marking a moment of immense pride for the coastal region, Ayush Shetty, hailing from Sanur in Karkala, has been selected to lead the Indian team in the upcoming BWF Junior World Badminton Championship set to take place in the United States.

Ayush Shetty, a young boy bonding with his father over badminton in their village yard has now turned into an inspiring story of sportsmanship and leadership.

The BWF Junior World Badminton Championship, set to commencefrom September 25, will see a 16-player Indian squad competing on the global stage. Among them, Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda, both hailing from Karnataka, have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the boys’ and girls’ teams, respectively.

The path to player selection was no small feat. Rigorous selection trials took place from July 26th to 29th, during which Ayush Shetty, a two-time under-19 champion, emerged as the top performer, securing his rightful spot on the team.

Ayush Shetty’s prowess on the court is undeniable, with achievements that speak volumes. A gold medal at the Victor Denmark International in 2021 and representation for India at the DWF World Junior in 2022 are just a couple of the highlights.

His achievements extend to a bronze medal at the India Junior International Grand Prix in 2022 and consistent success across various state, national, and international tournaments. From Denmark to Spain, Pune to the USA, and Bangalore to Panchkula, Ayush’s talents have left a mark on badminton courts around the world.

What makes Ayush’s journey even more remarkable is his humble beginnings. Born to Ram Prakash Shalmili, a farmer from Sanur, his affinity for badminton was nurtured through games played with his father in their village yard. Starting formal training in the third grade, Ayush displayed unwavering dedication, waking up at 5 am daily for practice. His training was guided by Subhash in Karkala and Chetan in Mangaluru.

Currently pursuing a BSc in Sports Science at Reva University, Bengaluru, Ayush continues to hone his skills at the Padukone Badminton Coaching Center under the guidance of coach Sagar Chopra.

Reflecting on his journey, Ayush Shetty expresses his happiness and pride in leading the Indian team for the junior championship. He looks forward to a successful event and attributes his achievements to the collective support of his parents, coaches, academy, and relatives. His story stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of dreams.