History scripted at Singapore Open 2026: Satwik and Chirag become first Indian pair to win Men's Doubles title

NEW DELHI: Indian badminton icons Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted history on Sunday, becoming the first-ever Indian men’s doubles pair to clinch the prestigious Singapore Open title. In a gruelling three-game thriller, the world No. 4 Indian duo showcased remarkable resilience, staging a thrilling comeback victory against Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, 18-21, 21-17, 21-16.

The marquee clash got off to a tense start as the Indonesian pair took early control, pocketing the opening game 18-21. Facing a must-win situation, the reigning Asian and Commonwealth Games champions held their nerve. Utilising their trademark aggressive smash-and-net play, Satwik and Chirag systematically dismantled their opponents' defence to claim the next two games and seal the championship in style. This monumental victory marks the ninth BWF World Tour title and the third Super 750 crown of Satwik and Chirag's illustrious career.

The triumph brings welcome relief and closure to a period of narrow misses for the premier Indian duo. Despite maintaining a highly consistent run since their last title at the 2024 Thailand Open, the pair had stumbled at the final hurdle, registering four consecutive runner-up finishes on the tour. Their elite calibre was on full display throughout the tournament, highlighted by a masterclass performance in the semifinals, where they knocked out the reigning world champions from South Korea to book their spot in the final. With this historic milestone in Singapore, Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty have not only reaffirmed their status as global badminton powerhouses but have also firmly cemented their legacy in the annals of Indian sports history.