Ever since they burst on the worldwide scene by successful their first Tremendous-500 title in Thailand in 2019, the explosive pair has shocked virtually all the highest groups on this planet. Regardless of the Covid restrictions in 2020-2021, the duo discovered methods to coach collectively when out of doors play was prohibited. Throughout one such makeshift apply session in Mumbai, they zeroed in on Mathias Boe as their coach. The Dane, a silver medallist on the 2012 London Olympics, had retired from the sport and was in Mumbai on a private go to. Chirag satisfied him to be their coach.
They reached nice heights with Boe, successful their first World championships medal (bronze) in 2022 and produced a string of fantastic outcomes. Even PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal are but to win the Asian title, thought of nearly as good because the World crown. Satwik-Chirag did it twice in 2023 – they received gold on the Asian championships in April and the Asian Video games in September.
“The 12 months has been excellent,” mentioned Satwik. “We’ve not achieved all our targets however have achieved just a few. Like turning into world No. 1 and successful two medals on the Asian Video games. We’ll attempt to obtain some extra targets subsequent 12 months.” Accidents pressured them to overlook just a few tournaments however Chirag was completely satisfied to finish the season on a excessive. “Accidents have an effect on all gamers. I’m completely satisfied that we might finish the season on a excessive,” he mentioned.
The boys’s doubles subject is open and it isn’t simple to dominate. “Everyone within the top-tier occasions are good opponents. Not even the primary rounds are simple. I am unable to choose one pair that’s actually, actually good, which is the pair to beat. There are fairly just a few pairs who’re fairly good like Kang and Search engine optimisation (Korea), Keng and Wang (China), Aaron and Soh (Malaysia),, Kim and Anders (Denmark). It’s tough to say who’s the most effective. There aren’t any simple matches in large tournaments,” Chirag mentioned.
The main focus now shifts to Olympics and there are nice expectations from the duo. In the event that they win a medal, they are going to be on a par with Saina Nehwal (bronze in 2012) and Sindhu (silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020). The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award is due recognition. “I thank the federal government for this large honour. It offers us an ideal increase to do effectively in future,” mentioned Chirag, including that an Olympic medal tops their precedence record now.
“There are just a few occasions earlier than the Olympics – Malaysia Open (Tremendous-1000) and All England. We wish to win just a few occasions and return from the Olympics with a medal. Clearly, the Olympic 12 months is large not just for us, however all of the athletes,” Chirag mentioned.
Chief coach Pullela Gopichand, who accompanied the duo to some tournaments, lauded the pair for what has been a splendid 12 months for them. “This 12 months has been incredible for Satwik and Chirag. To assist India win the Thomas Cup (2022) and be part of this 12 months’s win at Badminton Asia Championships, the Asian Video games and to grow to be the world No. 1 pair for the primary time ever in males’s doubles is an exceptional achievement by Satwik and Chirag,” mentioned Gopichand and added that regardless of males’s doubles being an open subject, Satwik-Chirag will likely be one of many favourites to go all the way in which.
“Subsequent 12 months will likely be difficult with the Olympics coming. I’m positive they are going to be entering into as one of many favourites. We can have robust competitors. There are fairly just a few high gamers from Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Denmark. It’s a very open subject,” mentioned Gopichand.
Denmark’s Mathaias Boe, who’s on a break now, will be part of the duo in January. “We’ve Mathaias Boe as a part of our teaching staff. He’ll spend numerous time with Satwik-Chirag and I’m positive all the staff is equipped. We anticipate good leads to 2024, a vital 12 months,” Gopichand mentioned.
Doubles ace Jwala Gutta felt that SatwikChirag must be cautious about accidents within the all-important 12 months. “We’re fortunate to have a pair like Satwik-Chirag. They’re doing fairly effectively now. However in an Olympic 12 months, it is vitally essential to keep away from accidents. In the event that they maintain this facet, they are going to have an excellent likelihood of doing effectively on the Video games,” Jwala mentioned.
