Satwik-Chirag become first Indians to win China Masters with comeback victory over Chinese pair

Final rally in Shenzhen

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty wrote a new chapter for Indian badminton on September 6, 2026, when they became the first Indian men's doubles pair to win the China Masters, rallying past home favorites He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 in a 70-minute final at the Shenzhen Arena. The top-seeded Indians dropped the opening game before changing approach, cutting errors and applying pressure to take the second game 21-13 and the decider 21-17, sealing the tournament after earlier runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025 and semi-final appearances in 2019 and 2024.

Career-defining title in a strong 2026 season

The Shenzhen trophy is the pair's second BWF World Tour title of 2026 and their 10th on the circuit overall, alongside a fourth Super 750 crown. The win follows their Singapore Open Super 750 victory and a Thailand Open Super 500 runner-up finish this season, reinforcing their standing among the leading men's doubles combinations in international badminton. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports publicly congratulated the pair on the landmark result, adding it to accolades including their 2022 World Championships bronze, the 2023 Asian Games gold that made them the first Indian men's doubles pair to win the continental title, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award both received that year.

Pawan Kalyan and Vizag coach react

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan congratulated the pair on the win, framing it as part of Indian badminton's growing legacy, while a coach in Visakhapatnam recalled the duo's early training days. The pair, with Satwik hailing from Andhra Pradesh, were praised for their power from the rear court and a partnership that has repeatedly challenged the world's top combinations.

Asian Games in sight

Speaking after the final, Satwik said the China Masters has consistently given the pair positive results, particularly when returning from injury, and that the week reaffirmed their commitment to sticking to their game plan and minimizing mistakes. The pair said the title gives them a major confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Asian Games, where they are defending men's doubles champions and will continue rigorous preparation before competing.