India Badminton Doubles Stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy And Chirag Shetty Break Silence On Paris Olympics Early Exit

One of the favourites for a medal, Satwik-Chirag lost in the quarter-finals in Paris 2024.

Indian shuttler Chirag Shetty, one-half of the popular men's doubles duo with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy -- popularly known as 'Sat-Chi' -- opened up on the disappointing Paris Olympics 2024 exit in the quarterfinals and revealed the duo's comeback plans to the court. Despite starting the knockout stage on a dominating note, Satwik and Chirag's hopes of returning to India with an Olympic medal were eventually crushed. With a 21-13, 14-21, 16-21 loss, Satwik and Chirag bowed out of the Paris Olympics back in August.

Speaking to ANI, Chirag said that the quarterfinal exit was a "disappointing" one and it was some "unlucky points and missed opportunities" in the third game that made a difference. He also affirmed hope that the duo will win a medal for the country in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

"Quite disappointed that we could not come back with a medal. We really wanted to go out there and win a medal for our country. Things did not go our way in the third game. We were leading at one point, but some unlucky points and some missed opportunities here and there meant we lost that game. That is sport. We gave it our all. Maybe next time around we will come with a medal," said Chirag.

Chirag was speaking on the sidelines of 'Beyond The Finish Line' event by Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon.

The shuttler said that while the immediate reaction to the Olympic loss from fans, colleagues and close people saw them express dissapointment, it was their close friends and family who were supportive and encouraged Chirag and Satwiksairaj to push themselves for a "second chance".