For years, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has been one of the faces of Indian badminton, especially in the men’s doubles category. Besides Chirag Shetty, he has achieved many firsts for India, and they are the former World No. 1.
The pair were at the center of India’s historic Thomas Cup triumph in 2022. They remain the first and only Indians to win badminton gold at the Asian Games in 2023, apart from clinching eight BWF World Tour titles, including a Thailand Open and French Open double. Never in the history of Indian badminton has any doubles pair achieved such a feat. Currently ranked fourth in the world, they are the trailblazers of Indian badminton.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Chirag-Satwik Open Up About Muted Response Despite Bronze Medal At Thomas Cup
Yet, fans of Indian sports remain oblivious to their achievements. They are hardly recognized for their monumental success. While their victories did not fetch them the attention they perhaps deserved, what Satwik recently said about the apathy shown towards them by a large part of the sporting community brought him into the spotlight. It was pain – raw, honest, and deeply personal pain – that took center stage.
In an interview facilitated by the Sports Authority of India, Satwik opened up about the emotional void he felt after India won a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup in Denmark. His remarks – particularly his statement that he would not want his children to play badminton because of the lack of recognition athletes receive – quickly triggered a storm across social media.
— Satwik SaiRaj Rankireddy (@satwiksairaj) May 8, 2026
“It’s okay if I’m seen as the villain. In the last six months, I’ve been thinking that do only people who do bad things become popular. as players, we don’t want big things. No, we don’t want prize money,” Satwik had said.
The comments struck a chord because they came from an athlete who has consistently delivered for the country. India’s bronze medal at the Thomas Cup was only the country’s second medal in the 77-year history of the prestigious tournament, following the historic triumph in 2022. Yet, according to Satwik, the reception after returning home felt underwhelming – almost invisible.
Instagram reel gets 1 million followers
Reflecting on the culture of Indian fandom, Satwik launched a scathing attack. “When Chirag’s dancing celebration reel went viral, I was happy. But I remembered how somebody plays some random thing, and it gets 1 million followers. And I ask myself, ‘Why?’ Here we are fighting to win, and if we get injured, there’s no replacement for us. We play without support and under immense pressure in team events. But even a title was not enough last time,” he said.
Satwik recalled how few people even stopped to ask what medal the Indian team had won. For an athlete who has dedicated years to elevating Indian badminton on the global stage, the silence clearly hurts.
As reactions intensified online, Satwik responded with an open letter clarifying his intent. The 24-year-old stressed that his comments were never about seeking fame or diminishing the achievements of athletes from other sports.
“The last few days have brought a lot of attention to my recent comments regarding the lack of a reception for our Thomas Cup bronze medal. While I am grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement, I want to clarify my intent because I see many people deviating from the original point,” Satwik wrote on the statement posted from his social media account.
“My words did not come from a place of wanting personal fame or taking credit away from anyone else’s achievements. I have the utmost respect for every athlete who brings glory to India, regardless of the sport,” said Satwik.
The shuttler said all he yearns for is a true sporting culture. “My message was simple: we need to foster a culture that encourages and celebrates every win, big or small. Whether it is a World Cup medal or a podium finish in a global championship like the Thomas Cup, these moments represent years of sacrifice and hard work. When such milestones are met with silence, it feels disheartening not just for us, but for the future generations of Indian athletes who are watching,” he added.
Also Read: ‘No One Cares’: Satwik-Chirag’s Heartbreaking Post After India’s Bronze Medal Win At Thomas Cup Goes Viral
His words carried the voice of many athletes competing beyond cricket’s overwhelming spotlight – players who spent years grinding through injuries, pressure, and uncertainty, often without widespread recognition.
“We don’t want money or grand parades; we just want to know that our country is watching and that our efforts are seen. Let’s come together to support all sports with the same passion and ‘angle.’ Next time, let it not be about who won more or less, but about celebrating everyone who wears the India jersey. Thank you for standing by me. Let’s keep playing for the flag,” Satwik signed off.
