In a landmark achievement for Indian badminton, 20-year-old Ayush Shetty has made history by winning his first-ever BWF World Tour title at the US Open 2025.
The young shuttler, who has been steadily rising through the ranks, defeated Canada's Brian Yang in a clinical straight-games victory, clinching the Super 300 title in just 47 minutes. This win not only marks a personal milestone for Shetty but also ends India's BWF title drought in 2025, making it a historic moment for Indian badminton.
Ayush Shetty's Impressive Wi
The final match between Ayush Shetty and Brian Yang was an intense battle from the start, with both players showing their skill and determination. The opening game saw a neck-and-neck contest till 6-6, after which Shetty took control with a series of well-placed shots and intelligent play. A stunning 9-6 lead after five consecutive points set the tone for the match, and Shetty never looked back.
Indian Wins First 2025 BWF World Tour Title
— IndiaSportsHub (@IndiaSportsHub) June 30, 2025
Here’s #AyushShetty with the winning moment of #USOpen2025 a BWF300 event pic.twitter.com/ZJt90vu74A
Shetty continued to extend his lead, reaching the interval with a comfortable 11-6 advantage. Despite Yang’s brief comeback, cutting the lead to 13-11, Shetty stayed composed and executed crucial winners at the right moments to maintain control.
The match was finely poised at 16-16, but it was Shetty’s mental strength and excellent shot selection that helped him win crucial points in the final stages. He wrapped up the first game with a powerful jump smash, securing a 21-18 victory.
In the second game, Shetty showcased his maturity, never allowing his opponent to gain any significant rhythm. With his solid defence and deceptive shots, Shetty controlled the game, maintaining a steady lead. Despite Yang’s attempts to come back, Shetty kept the pressure on, finishing the match with another smashing winner to seal the title 21-13. It was a performance that proved his potential to be a future star in the badminton world.
Tanvi Sharma Shines with a Runner-Up Finish
On the women’s side, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma also made waves with her stellar run to the final. The unseeded 16-year-old squared off against the top-seeded Beiwen Zhang in the final, a match that pushed her physical endurance and technical skills to their fullest.
The match started with Zhang dominating the first game, taking a quick lead and going into the break with an 11-5 advantage. Tanvi, however, was not deterred and showed incredible resilience to fight back in the second game.
After losing the first game, Tanvi came out strong in the second, racing to a 4-0 lead and controlling the rallies with sharp strokes and clever placements. She fought back brilliantly to level the match, claiming the second game 21-16 and pushing the final into a deciding third game. It was an inspiring fightback from the young shuttler who clearly showed her potential at such a young age.
However, the physical demands of the tournament took a toll on Tanvi in the third game. Despite a valiant effort, the teenager couldn’t keep up with the intensity of the match. Zhang, with her experience and sharp shot-making, took advantage, building a commanding lead. At the interval of the decider, Zhang led 11-4, and Tanvi’s movements started to slow.
The gap widened, and despite a late surge from Tanvi, it was Zhang who sealed the win, taking the third game 21-10 to win the match.
Although she finished as the runner-up, Tanvi's performance throughout the tournament was impressive and showcased her immense potential. Playing her first-ever World Tour final, she proved that she has the grit and talent to compete at the highest level. This runner-up finish will undoubtedly fuel her determination to push further in the international badminton arena.
The Future of Indian Badminton
The performances of Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma at the US Open 2025 have brought a renewed sense of optimism for the future of Indian badminton. While Shetty’s triumph marks a personal breakthrough, it also highlights the rising potential of young Indian shuttlers who are ready to take on the world.
On the other hand, Tanvi Sharma's runner-up finish shows that India has a strong crop of youngsters ready to make their mark on the international stage.
As Indian badminton continues to evolve, the achievements of these two young players will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country. With more focus on nurturing young talent, the future looks bright for Indian badminton, and we can expect many more success stories like Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma’s in the years to come.