All England Open: Competing for first time since his father’s death, Satwik thanks Chirag for his support – ‘He was there for me’ | Badminton News
It wouldn’t rank among the most significant results or performances of his already decorated doubles career, but as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy put away a winner at the net late on Wednesday night, it meant a whole lot to him. It marked the completion of the first match he played since his father Kasi Viswanatham’s death in February. Satwik, as he closed in at the net and to pounce on a loose shuttle with ferocity, hit the brakes, turned around, looked up with a pointed finger and clenched f. As commentator Gill Clark noted, “…ah. That look for Satwik, needs no words.” Satwik was paying his respects as he and Chirag Shetty completed a 21-17 21-15 first-round win against a tricky Danish pair Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard at the All England Open.
“It’s tough, but that’s how life is,” Satwik told BWF after the match. “It wasn’t expected.”
A retired Physical Education teacher, Viswanatham and his wife were traveling from their hometown Amalapuram en route to Delhi when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Satwik spoke on Wednesday about the support he has received from Chirag. “Even during such hard times, he was there for me. He came to my hometown, we practiced there a bit, and for that I’m thankful to him. He was there during my injury period too (last season post-Paris 2024); his parents came down and our coach also came down to my hometown. My father always wanted to bring them there.”
Story continues below this ad
That Chirag and Satwik share a deeper bond beyond their partnership on court is well established now. Speaking to The Indian Express last year, Satwik explained how Chirag stepped up last year when he was going through a bit of physical and mental crisis due to injuries and rehab. “It was during this period I realised the value of doubles badminton. You are teammates not just on the court, but off it too. Chirag supported me and motivated me to play. He stood my side like a rock,” Satwik had said.
Chirag was had rich praise for his partner too in Birmingham. “Credit to Satwik, what he’s gone through and how he’s come back and decided to play here, nobody could do that. Kudos to him, he’s a strong-willed person to come out of it, and keep it all aside, because that’s what his dad would’ve wanted him to do. I’m proud to be his partner.”
At the start of the match, commentator Clark also made a brief remark about Satwik’s return to action. “Quite remarkable that Satwik is here in Birmingham, he is mourning the death of his father at the end of last month. Great courage to come here despite the family bereavement, certainly all of us send our deepest condolences to Satwik and his family.”
The match in itself ended up being a rather fey affair, with plenty of mini tws and turns despite the scoreline being straightforward. In the first game, the Indians saw their opponents mount a fightback from 4-9 down to 11-10 but recovered after the mid-game interval. In the 2nd game, the Danes had a 14-10 lead but SatChi went on a tear, winning 9 straight points to eventually close it out without needing a decider.Story continues below this ad
Chirag was involved in an animated chat with the chair umpire at the end of the match. During the second game, there seemed to be a couple of instances when one of the Danish players stepped out of the court for a quick hydration break when the Indians were rattling along, which didn’t sit well with Chirag. “I am just honestly telling you as a player, this is not right,” Chirag was heard saying as he shook hands with the official, as Satwik came along to whisk away.
Vinayakk Mohanarangan is Senior Assant Editor and is based in New Delhi. … Read More
