Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, one-half of India’s ace badminton doubles duo, opens up about the challenges of 2024, a year that brought highs, heartbreak, and important lessons. From a promising build-up to a shocking quarterfinal exit at the Paris Olympics, the year tested his physical and mental resilience like never before.
A Year of Challenges and Lessons
Satwik started 2024 with a bang, reaching finals in Malaysia and India, followed by a French Open win. But an untimely back injury and elbow tear derailed his Olympic preparations, leaving him struggling with fitness just when he needed it most. The quarterfinal loss to Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik was a tough pill to swallow, made even harder by lingering injuries.
“I’ve always played with pain,” Satwik admitted, but the Paris defeat felt deeply personal. Despite his own struggles, he credited his brother and partner Chirag Shetty for standing by him during this difficult phase. “Chirag was my rock. He motivated me to start over, took care of logistics, and managed everything when I wasn’t at my best.”
The Road to Recovery
After the Olympics, Satwik took some time off to regroup mentally and physically. Chirag, however, was ready to hit the courts within weeks, highlighting the duo’s contrasting approaches to recovery. The absence of their coach and trainer compounded the challenges, forcing them to take charge of planning tournaments and preserving their rankings.
This period of uncertainty made Satwik realize the importance of holistic athlete care. “2025 will be a year of understanding my body better and preventing injuries. I’ve started working with a new trainer, a nutritionist, and focusing on the mental aspects of the game.”
A Renewed Vision for 2025
Looking ahead, Satwik aims to rebuild his game from the ground up. Key tournaments like the All England Open (March 11-16) and the World Championships in Paris (August 25-31) will be critical, but he plans to approach them with no expectations, focusing instead on enjoying the journey.
For Satwik and Chirag, the focus will also be on addressing match-up deficiencies and countering rising competition from Chinese Taipei, Korea, and Indonesia. Their unparalleled work ethic and skills provide a strong foundation to navigate this transitional phase.