Udupi: History has already been made — but for badminton icon Ayush Shetty’s family in Karkala, the bigger moment could just be hours away.Ranked world No 25, Ayush overcame top seed and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand in a gripping three-game contest — winning 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 — to book a place in the Badminton Asia Championships final at Ningbo, China.In the title tilt, the US Open Super 300 champion from India will face Chinese Shi Yu Qi.Ayush is the first Indian men’s singles player in 61 years to reach the final, after Dinesh Khanna’s 1965 title win.Saturday’s result has filled Ayush’s family with pride — and raised hopes of an even greater finish Sunday.While the semifinal triumph was special in itself, Shalmili Shetty, the badminton player’s mother, empahasised its significance given the stature of his opponent and the stage. “We are now looking forward to the final,” She said, as anticipation builds for what could be a title-clinching performance. Despite the excitement, the family has been careful not to overwhelm Ayush with calls during the tournament. Following his win on Saturday, he had briefly called his father, Ramprakash Shetty, to share the news, but the family avoided reaching out immediately. “There is so much happening there. Ayush was busy with photo sessions and interviews,” Shalmili explained. “About an hour after the match, I spoke to him. He sounded very tired and was heading back to his room,” she added. Known for his composed demeanour, Ayush rarely lets emotions show during competitions. “He does not show too much excitement, especially when there is another match the next day. His real reactions come only after the tournament concludes,” his mother noted. Hailing from Sanoor near Karkala, Ayush began his badminton journey at the age of eight, inspired by his father, a businessman. His mother is a homemaker. Even today, both his parents admit they are often too nervous to watch his matches live. As he prepares for the biggest match of his career so far, Ayush continues to train under coaches Vimal Kumar, Sagar Chopra and Irwansyah Adi Pratama — with one final step left in what has already been a dream run.
