Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, popularly known as ‘Sat-Chi,’ are a beacon of hope in Indian sports, especially in badminton. As the Paris Olympics 2024 approaches, Indian fans are eagerly anticipating a medal from this exceptional duo, who have delivered stellar performances in major tournaments over the past few years. In a candid conversation with RevSportz Editor-in-Chief, Boria Majumdar, both Satwik and Chirag shared insights into their preparations, handling pressure, and other aspects of their game.
Satwik discussed the impact of the ‘Olympic’ label on the pressure they face during the event. He emphasised that while tournaments like the All England Championship and Olympics are special, the key to success lies in playing without fear and enjoying the moment. He observed that players who desperately want to win often lose in the first round, while those who give their all and enjoy the environment tend to succeed. This approach helped them at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. They aim to continue with the same mindset in future tournaments as well.
Chirag addressed how he manages the pressure, acknowledging its presence but stressed on the importance of perspective. He views expectation from fans as a positive sign of the sport’s growing popularity. When on court, everything else fades away, allowing him to concentrate on the game.
Satwik highlighted the importance of the French Open being held at the same venue as the upcoming Olympics. Playing in the new stadium will help them get accustomed to the conditions, providing a strategic advantage.
Chirag discussed their ongoing learning process, particularly improving their defence. Although their game is not entirely defensive, having a solid defence is crucial. They aim to convert consistent performances into more victories by strengthening this aspect of their play.
Regarding the build-up, pressure, and responsibilities leading to the Olympics, Satwik shared his experience from their first Olympics in 2021, held in Tokyo. He enjoyed the moments without worrying about the future, even finding inspiration in interactions with other top stars like Novak Djokovic. He also stressed on the importance of maintaining a positive environment and meeting fellow athletes, which keeps him motivated.
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Sat-Chi EXCLUSIVE:
The star badminton duo is ready to shine at #Paris2024, soaking in all the added pressure.
Experience of the Olympic Village, spending time with some of the greats, handling expectations, media glare, and how they are preparing for the showpiece event.
Watch… pic.twitter.com/k1sHpUh40Z
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 21, 2024
Chirag agreed that the previous Olympics experience helps in managing pressure. They are focusing on their performance rather than over-analysing opponents, aiming to play their best. He believes that when they perform well, very few pairs can challenge them. “If we can play at our best or close to our best, there are few pairs who can beat or challenge us,” Chirag added.
Chirag shared his method of dealing with pressure by relaxing and avoiding overthinking. He listens to old Hindi music or watches comedy to lighten his mood. Post-match, he tries to avoid reading too much about the game, minimising phone use to stay focused.
Satwik, similar to Chirag, uses distractions like talking with friends or watching Telugu action movies to relax before a match. He spoke of getting into the right mental zone a couple of hours before playing and then discussing strategies with Chirag to stay focused.
The strong bond between Satwik and Chirag is crucial to their success. Chirag believes that on days when one is not at his best, the other must step up, providing the necessary support to win. Their strong mutual support boosts their confidence and performance, making their partnership effective over time.
Satwik mentioned their work on mental health, citing the Thomas Cup as a turning point. During critical moments, they managed to stay calm and perform under pressure, thanks to strong mental conditioning. They have learned to play without pressure and maintain belief, which helps them excel in challenging situations.
Also Read: Kishore Jena Ahead of Paris 2024: Now Without Injury, I Feel Lot More Confident