‘Big wins will be a confidence booster for Ayush Shetty’

Bengaluru: After suffering a back injury late Nov, Ayush Shetty’s pre-season was severely hit. He was advised to take rest for around four weeks. The 20-year-old underwent rehabilitation with his team of physios and trainers at the Centre for Badminton Excellence (CBE), formerly known as PPBA, here. Even though he featured in the season opener at the Malaysia Open in Jan, doubts over his fitness lingered.

Fast forward to April. The Mangaluru shuttler, who suffered four first round exits in the first quarter of the year, has been at his best at the BAC.
“Due to his rehab, Ayush lost out on that critical period where other players could prepare for the 2026 season. Besides beating top players, he played back-to-back tough matches this week at the highest level and did not complain of any major back pain. Credit should also go to the trainers, physios,” Sagar Chopda, head coach at CBE, told TOI.

Ayush, who won the US Open 300 last year, has proved that he belongs to the elite circuit. “With these big wins, his ranking will further improve. More importantly, it will act as a confidence booster,” he said.

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