Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Claim French Open 2024 Badminton Men’s Doubles Title

Dara Singh Chahal

11th Mar 2024: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured their first championship of the year by clinching the French Open 2024 badminton men’s doubles title. The world No. 1 Indian pair defeated Chinese Taipei’s Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan in straight games to secure their seventh title on the BWF World Tour.

In a thrilling showdown at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, the venue for badminton at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chirag and Satwik showcased remarkable skill and strategy, dominating their opponents with a commanding 21-11, 21-17 victory in just 36 minutes.

This triumph marks Chirag and Satwik’s second French Open title, having previously emerged victorious in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2019. Their stellar performance at the French Open adds to their impressive track record on the BWF World Tour, with victories at prestigious events such as the Swiss Open, Indonesia Open, and Korea Open last year.

Reflecting on their win, Chirag highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and executing their game plan against a formidable pair like Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan. Despite early pressure, Chirag and Satwik remained steady and focused, ultimately outplaying their opponents with a combination of powerful smashes and tactical precision.

The French Open served as a significant event for Chirag and Satwik, not only as a test event for the Paris 2024 Olympics but also as a crucial opportunity to accumulate qualifying points for the upcoming Games. With the qualification window for badminton now open, the duo aims to capitalize on their momentum and secure their spot at the Olympics.

Looking ahead, Chirag expressed excitement for the upcoming All England Open BWF Super 1000 tournament and the Orleans Masters, emphasizing their determination to excel on the global stage.

As they gear up for future challenges, Chirag and Satwik remain focused on their ultimate goal: achieving success at the Paris Olympics and making their mark in badminton history.