Asian Games 2023: HS Prannoy, Satwik-Chirag doubles pair enter semifinal to assure medals for India

In a thrilling game, Indian shuttler HS Prannoy secured a hard-fought victory over Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in men’s single with a scoreline of 21-16, 21-23, 23-21. Following this intense battle, the Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty showcased their dominance by crashing the Singaporean duo of Joo Jie Nge and Prajogoto Johann with a commanding score of 21-7, 21-9.

These impressive performances sealed their spot in the badminton semifinals at the ongoing Asian Games on Thursday.

Prannoy, India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, started the encounter on a strong note by comfortably claiming the first set with a score of 21-16. In the second set, Zii Jia gave a strong fightback, resulting in a closely contested match that went in favor of the Malaysian with a score of 21-23 which forced a decisive third game.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡! 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧!

Fight of a warrior from HS Prannoy & he ensures #TeamIndia a medal in #Badminton Men's Singles at #AsianGames2023 🏸⭐

P.S – Do not miss out on the final celebratory dance 😉🕺#Cheer4India #HangzhouAsianGames #SonyLIV pic.twitter.com/61mBBnsfMl

— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) October 5, 2023

In this thrilling finale set, Prannoy showcased remarkable composure and won with a 23-21 triumph, securing a well-deserved medal for himself.

Prannoy’s medal achievement holds great significance as it marks only the second-ever medal for India in men’s singles at the Asian Games, following Syed Modi’s bronze back in 1982. Interestingly, Prannoy was unable to participate in the men’s team event earlier, where India secured a silver medal against China, due to a back injury.

Formidable Indian duo Satwik-Chirag

In another outstanding display, the Indian pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty proved to be too challenging for their Singaporean opponents in the men’s double event. The Indian pair currently holds third position in the world ranking performed according to their reputation and dominated throughout the game securing at least a bronze medal.

Satwik-Chirag become second Indian Men’s Doubles pair to secure a medal at #AsianGames

India’s top men’s doubles duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted history again as they become second Indian men’s doubles pair, after Leroy D’sa & Pradeep Gandhne in 1982, to… pic.twitter.com/gFIJTvRF1H

— DD News (@DDNewslive) October 5, 2023

This achievement marks the second time in 41 years that an Indian men’s doubles pair has secured a medal at the Asian Games, following in the footsteps of Indian duo Leroy D’sa and Pradeep Gandhne’s achievement in 1982.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are set to face the formidable Malaysian pairing of Chia Aaron and Wooi Yik Soh, who hold the fifth spot in the world rankings on Friday.