"We always had some tough battles against them" - Chirag Shetty after win over Indonesian pair in Paris Olympics
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty successfully overcame what they claim a "tough" battle against Indonesia's Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Fajar Alfian in the Paris Olympics 2024 on July 30. In what was more of a dominant game from the Sat-Chi duo, they defeated Rian and Alfian by 21-13 and 21-13.
They were slated to take on Germany's Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel yesterday, but due to the latter's withdrawal, the match was cancelled. And now, with a win over Indonesia, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have earned a spot in the quarter-finals of the badminton men's doubles event at the Paris Olympics.
The quarter-final draw will take place on Wednesday, marking the moment when the Infdian pair will get to know of their opponents. Notably, Indonesia have also qualified for the quarter-finals after finishing second in the group.
Post the match, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty engaged in a conversation with the media. Shetty said:
"Really happy with the way we played. More than topping the group, we wanted to win this game. It really boosts our confidence that we could win against beep beep. They are a top pair. We always had some tough battles against them. So really happy."
Shetty went on to speak about the jam-packed stadium as well, which indirectly acted as a boost to the pair. He stated:
"Playing in front of this crowd, right from day one has been phenomenal. It really boosts you up to play in this packed stadium. It's quite noisy as well. Really happy with the crowd a well."
Adding to Chirag Shetty's dialogue, his partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy commented:
"Very happy to be playing at the highest level. Today was definitly a good match for us playing against a top pair. We wanted to get that rhythm because we got a break yesterday. First day we couldn't control because it was our first match so today we were prepared - like calm down, we will play our game."
Sat-Chi a medal hopeful at Paris Olympics?
Well, it is too early to comment on this dynamic duo's medal hopes but the way they have been dominating in their games is simply phenomenal. The first game of the group stages saw Sat-Chi take on host France's Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. They successfully outwitted the French duo 21-17 and 21-14 in that clash.
The Sat-Chi duo has also created a new record. They are now the first Indian badminton doubles pair to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games.