Thomas cup: Ayush Shetty’s Victory Propels India into the Semi-Finals

By Vikram Nair / 02.05.2026

Ayush Shetty’s stunning victory over Lin Chun Yi, the All England Champion, has propelled India into the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup. India blanked Chinese Taipei 3-0 in the quarter-finals, showcasing their strength in badminton.

Key match highlights:

• Ayush Shetty defeated Lin Chun Yi, contributing significantly to India’s win.
• Lakshya Sen secured the final point against Chou Tien-chen in a crucial match.
• India’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, also won their match.

Denmark defeated Thailand 3-1 to qualify for the semi-finals. They are set to meet defending champions China in their upcoming match. The semi-final between India and France is scheduled to start at 9:30 PM.

Ayush Shetty has risen from 25 to 18 in world rankings following his impressive performance. He expressed confidence about India’s chances, stating, “We are extremely confident of doing well in the Thomas Cup.” His coach, Pullela Gopichand, praised his height and agility as key advantages.

India’s success comes after Denmark failed to win a medal in the Thomas Cup in 2024, despite winning bronze three times consecutively before that. The art of not giving up was India’s mantra during this tournament.

The next challenge for India is against France. This match will determine if they can advance further in their quest for the Thomas Cup title.