Satwik-Chirag lead charge as Indian shuttlers eye glory in Indonesia

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lead India's challenge at Indonesia Open Super 1000 badminton tournament.

Former champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will look to keep their comeback story on track as they spearhead India's challenge at the $1,450,000 Indonesia Open Super 1000 badminton tournament, beginning in Jakarta on Tuesday (June 3, 2025).

The former world No. 1 pair, who returned to action after regaining fitness with a creditable semifinal finish at the Singapore Open last week, will be eager to go the distance this week and reclaim the trophy they won in 2023.

Currently ranked 27th, Satwik and Chirag are expected to inch closer to the top 20 following their exploits in Singapore. They will open their campaign against the Indonesian duo of Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana at Istora Senayan arena, the spiritual home of badminton.

The conditions at Istora suit the Indians and a win could set up a potential clash with their nemesis, Malaysia's Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who ended their run last week and enjoy a dominant record against the Indian duo.

The two had missed last few weeks of action due to Satwik's health issues and Chirag's lingering back injury, which took time to heal.

However, the star pair displayed their trademark brilliance last week when they outclassed the world No. 1 Malaysian duo of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin with a tactical masterclass en route to the semifinals.

Two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu will also aim for a deep run following a string of underwhelming performances this year.