Coach Tan’s Winning Formula: Master the Mind, Conquer the Court for Satwik-Chirag’s World Title Dream

Satwik-Chirag Bank on Mental Strength, Aggression for World Championships Glory

Nearly a decade after bringing together two promising youngsters who would become India’s most successful men’s doubles pair, coach Tan Kim Her believes Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are ready for another shot at history.

As the fifth seeds gear up for the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, Tan says the key to their title bid lies not just in their trademark attacking game, but also in staying mentally composed and physically fit.

Shoulder Recovery Boosts India’s Hopes

The biggest positive for the Indian camp is Satwik’s improving fitness. The right shoulder injury that has troubled him since 2018 is now close to full recovery.

“Satwik’s shoulder is almost fully recovered. I think he’ll be ready when the tournament starts,” Tan said after the draw ceremony.

The Indian duo, who received a first-round bye, will begin their campaign against either Thailand’s Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn-Worrapol Thongsa-nga or Scotland’s Alexander Dunn-Adam Pringle.

Managing Injuries, Not Rankings

Unlike several top pairs who compete in nearly 20 tournaments each season, Satwik and Chirag have deliberately reduced their schedule to manage recurring injuries and stay fresh for major events.

Tan believes the strategy has helped maintain consistency despite frequent injury setbacks.

“Both of them are very disciplined. Injuries have been the biggest challenge, especially Satwik’s shoulder. That’s my main concern,” he said.

Overcoming the Mental Block

According to Tan, the pair’s biggest hurdle after the Paris Olympics was mental rather than technical.

He revealed that excessive expectations, especially during the Olympics and earlier this year at the India Open, created unnecessary pressure.

“Sometimes players keep thinking they have to win. That pressure becomes a mental block. The focus should instead be on playing with confidence,” Tan explained.

To address that challenge, Satwik and Chirag have been working with a sports psychologist, helping them shift their focus from results to execution—an approach that played a key role in ending their two-year World Tour title drought at the Singapore Open Super 750 in May.

Sticking to an Attacking Identity

While acknowledging that South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae are currently the most complete men’s doubles pair in the world, Tan insists India will continue relying on its aggressive style.

“Our game is built around attack. Around 60 per cent of our badminton is attacking. If we attack first, we have a very good chance of winning,” he said.

Although he admits the Korean pair possesses stronger defensive skills, Tan believes Satwik and Chirag can defeat any opponent when they are mentally sharp and physically fit.

One Match at a Time

With the World Championships followed closely by the Asian Games, where the Indians will defend their men’s doubles title, Tan has urged his players to avoid thinking too far ahead.

“We cannot win every tournament. The important thing is to peak at the right time. I keep telling them to stay calm and take one match at a time,” he said.

For the Indian camp, the objective is simple—ignore the noise, trust the process and let confidence drive their quest for a historic world title on home soil.