Reddy-Shetty beat world champions but India lose to China in semifinal, settle for bronze in Asian Games 2026

India men's badminton team had to settle for a bronze medal after a 1-3 defeat to China in the semifinals of the Asian Games 2026 on September 23. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat current world champions pair Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in straight games 21-11, 22-20 but China had the last laugh.

Lakshya goes down

Lakshya Sen went down 16-21, 18-21 to world no.6 Shi Yu Qi. Lashya started well in the opening game, taking an 8-4 lead. But, Yu Qi made a comeback and scored four straight points to win first game. The second game was closely fought as well. Yu Qi took an 11-9 lead. Lakshya put up a fight but it wasn't enough. Yu Qi held his nerve and sealed his win with a smash.

ALSO READ: Deepika reacts to breaking record for most goals in a match as India beat Thailand 20-1

Reddy-Shetty stun current world champions

Satwiksairaj and Chirag registered a comprehensive win in the first game against the reigning world champions. After an 11-8 advantage, the Indian pair closed out the first game with ease. The second game was hard fought. The second game went right down to the wire with Indian pair winning 22-20, not letting their opponents force a decider.

ALSO READ: Roshibina Devi storms into Asian Games 2026 wushu final, eyes gold after bronze and silver in last 2 editions

Ayush loses in straight games

After 1-1 draw, Ayush Shetty went up against Ki Shi Feng, the world no.12. In the second men's singles clash, Ayush held a nominal 11-10 lead. The rallies were long and tiring. But, Shi Feng prevailed and won the first game 21-19. In the second game, Shetty was no match for the Chinese opponent. He took a 5-0 lead. Ayush made a comeback, bringing down the deficit to 13-16. But, Shi Feng closed out the game with aggressive play. Ayush lost the second game 13-21.

Hariharan, Arjun lose after spirited fight

After China's 2-1 lead, Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun went up against He Ji Ting and Liu Yi. The Chinese pair played as last-minute replacement for Chen Boyang and Liu. The Chinese pair took an early 9-4 lead. Hariharan and Arjun were able to make a comeback but the Chinese pair snatched first game 21-16. In the second game, Indian pair put up a show and forced a decider with 21-17. In the third game, Chinese pair asserted their dominance with 21-9 win.

But, Indian badminton team added another bronze medal to the tally. This was India's sixth bronze at the event. Currently, India have 12 medals in total including one gold and five silver medals.