India’s men’s badminton team secured the bronze medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 after losing 1-3 to China in the semi-final at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium in Japan on September 23. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty registered India’s only win, defeating reigning world champions Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 21-11, 22-20.
Lakshya Sen lost the opening singles match to Shi Yuqi, while Ayush Shetty was defeated by defending Asian Games champion Li Shifeng. M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan then lost the second doubles match to He Jiting and Liu Yi, allowing China to reach the final.
The bronze gives India back-to-back Asian Games medals in the men’s team event, following silver at Hangzhou 2023 and ending a 40-year wait for consecutive team-event medals after India’s bronze finishes in 1982 and 1986.
Bronze for Team India! 🥉🇮🇳
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) September 23, 2026
History repeated in the best way possible as the Indian men's badminton team secured back-to-back medals at the Asian Games after 40 years! 🏸✨ pic.twitter.com/yQKNCAwuQl
Satwik-Chirag Deliver
China took the lead in the semi-final after Shi Yuqi defeated Lakshya Sen 21-16, 21-18. Lakshya had helped India reach the semi-final with a strong performance against Japan in the quarter-final, but could not replicate that result against Shi. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty then brought India level by beating Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 21-11, 22-20.
The Chinese pair are reigning world champions, making the victory an important result for the Indian duo. After India levelled the tie, Ayush Shetty faced Li Shifeng but lost 21-19, 21-13, putting China back in front. With India needing a win in the fourth match to stay in contention, M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan fought back after losing the opening game but eventually went down 21-16, 17-21, 21-9. China consequently won the tie 3-1 and advanced to the final.
Japan Win Secures Medal
India had guaranteed its place on the podium by defeating hosts Japan 3-0 in the quarter-final on September 22. Lakshya Sen won his singles match against Kodai Naraoka, while Satwik and Chirag secured the doubles point before Ayush Shetty won the third match.
The victory ensured India would finish with a medal, regardless of the result against China. India’s latest bronze therefore adds to a longer history in the Asian Games men’s team competition. The country won bronze in 1982 and 1986 before claiming silver at Hangzhou 2023, where China defeated India in the final. The 2026 result means India has now won medals at consecutive editions of the Asian Games men’s team event for the first time since those successive bronze-medal campaigns in 1982 and 1986.
Individual Events Follow
The team event has concluded, but several Indian shuttlers remain in contention in the individual competitions, which begin on September 25. Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty have received first-round byes in men’s singles, while PV Sindhu has also received a bye in women’s singles.
In men’s doubles, Satwik-Chirag are scheduled to face Thailand’s Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul, while Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun are drawn against Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. The individual competitions will continue through September 29, with singles and doubles players competing across the knockout rounds.
Officials Applaud Team
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the Indian men’s badminton team on winning the bronze medal, praising the players for their determination, resilience and fighting spirit. Other officials and sporting figures also extended their wishes to the team, recognising the players’ effort in securing a podium finish against a strong Chinese side. The bronze marks India’s second consecutive Asian Games medal in the men’s team badminton event.
Warm congratulations to the Indian Men’s Badminton Team on winning Bronze Medal at the Asian Games 2026. This commendable achievement reflects the team’s determination, resilience and fighting spirit. Each member made a valuable contribution to this proud success. My best wishes…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 24, 2026
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
India’s bronze reflects the collective effort behind a team campaign, from the players competing on court to the coaches and support staff preparing them for demanding ties. The semi-final against China also showed how narrow the margins can be at the highest level, with Satwik and Chirag producing a notable win while the two singles defeats and the second doubles loss ended India’s final hopes.
At the same time, consecutive medals underline the sustained progress of Indian badminton at the Asian Games. As the individual events begin, the focus now shifts from the team result to the next opportunities for India’s shuttlers.
What do you think can help build on this momentum and create more opportunities for young badminton players across India?
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