"Lakshya Came Close, Ayush Had His Chances": Coach Sagar Analyses India’s Asian Games Defeat to China In Men’s Team Event

New Delhi, Sep 23: China reached its 11th final of the Badminton Men's team event at the Asian Games, defeating the Indian team 3-1 in the semifinals. However, it was far from a cakewalk for the Chinese, as the Indian team pushed the defending men's team gold medalist to the edge and was unfazed by the reputation that the Chinese bring with them. India fought the world's strongest badminton system, with Satwik-Chirag shining as the team showcased its place among the sport's elite.

Speaking to myKhel over a call, Sagar Chopda, Ayush Shetty's coach, also shared his thoughts on the team's performance: "After yesterday's win against Japan, we looked very good, especially Lakshya, Ayush, Chirag and Satwik. Today, Chirag and Satwik played brilliantly, but Lakshya and Ayush definitely had their chances."

Lakshya Sen opened the tie against Shi Yuqi but went down in straight games, although the result did little to diminish his contribution to India's campaign. India then turned to their prolific doubles pair, Satwik and Chirag, who delivered to keep the team's hopes alive. Coach Tan Kim Her highlighted Lakshya Sen's opening match as crucial and felt India would have had a strong chance had the tie gone into a deciding rubber. This was something that coach Sagar also agreed with.

Ayush Shetty followed against Li Shi Feng but was unable to convert his chances. The tie was eventually sealed in China's favour after Arjun and Hariharan lost their doubles clash against Liu and Chen Ting.

Coach Sagar Chopda Feels Lakshya Had Game 1 In His Grip

Lakshya Sen started India's tie against China but went down to Li Shi Feng in a closely contested opening singles match. According to Sagar, Lakshya came close in both games and had a genuine opportunity to pull off an upset against the Chinese shuttler.

He felt the Indian was in the contest but could not make the crucial moments count. Sagar noted that at this level, every player has the ability to win, with matches often decided by how well players handle pressure at key stages. In Lakshya's case, Li managed those moments better, turning a promising opportunity for India into a defeat.

"Lakshya definitely played well. In the second game too, he managed to come close, but eventually couldn't win it," Sagar told myKhel.

"Ayush Could Have Done Few Things Better"- Sagar On Ayush Shetty

All eyes were on Ayush Shetty, who entered the contest in Game 3, as India looked to take a lead in the tie. But Shetty squandered the lead and wasted the opportunity.

According to Coach Sagar, Ayush should have used clears and drops in a more better way. "In the first game, even from the bad side, he played some good clears and drops. But in the second game, he didn't do that. Even from the better side, he should have controlled the shuttle better and kept Li Shifeng on the baseline."

Ayush went down 21-19 in the first game, but Sagar believes that it was not the reason for Shetty's defeat. Ayush was already down 5-0 in the second game and this provided an edge to Li Shifeng.

Arjun & Hariharan's Experience of the Big Stage

India's double duo of MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan played the crucial Game 4 of the tie, where it was pertinent for the Indian team to come out with a win. The duo looked scratchy in the first game, but they managed to make a remarkable comeback in the second game. However, it was the third game where the duo was completely outsmarted by the Chinese pair of Liu and Ting.

Coach Sagar feels that at the stage of the Asian Games heading into Game 4, there was performance pressure on the duo: "For them, it was a big stage. For Arjun and Hariharan, it was also a big stage. They were playing a crucial match, and the outcome depended on their performance, so there must have been pressure as well."

"At a big stage like this, experience also makes a difference. It was never going to be an easy match for them, but they tried their best," he added.

Meanwhile, coach Tan hinted towards physical fatigue, which could have costed the match for the match.

SatChi Once Again Shining Light For India

For India, however, the shining light once again emerged in the form of Satwik and Chirag, who were on top of their game. The duo not only defeated the defending world champions but also avenged the defeat at the BWF World Championships, which they suffered in New Delhi.

Chirag in particular was on top of his game at the front of the net with his interceptions and smashes and front court charges. Coach Tan also praised Chirag's game in the front court.

"Post the World Championships, where they couldn't play their quarter-final because of Satwik's injury, they had a difficult period. But after that, they went on to win the China Masters. That was a big win for them, and they have a lot of confidence coming into the Asian Games," Sagar told myKhel.

He further said that their performance had been convincing, particularly in the first game, and praised their composure in the crucial moments of the second. He added that the performance should boost their confidence ahead of the individual events, which begin in the next couple of days.

With the team event now over, the shift of the Indian shuttlers now moves to the individual contest.