‘Satwik’s shoulder injury remains biggest concern ahead of Worlds’

India’s men’s doubles coach Tan Kim Her on Wednesday said Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s recurring shoulder injury remains the biggest concern ahead of the BWF World Championships, even as he backed the former world No. 1 pair to challenge for the title if they remain mentally strong.

Satwik and Chirag, bronze medallists at the 2022 and 2025 World Championships, head into this year’s edition after missing a few tournaments because of Satwik’s shoulder injury.

The Asian Games gold medallists, who returned to winning ways with the Singapore Open Super 750 title in June, have received a first-round bye as one of the seeded combinations.

“His shoulder is almost fully recovered now. He is ready now,” Tan told a select group of reporters on the sidelines of the draw ceremony for the World Championships, which begin here on August 17.

“He has gone under rehab. I think now he is improving a lot. Of course, the rehab is still there but he is getting much better. Chirag is fully 100 per cent fit.” However, the Malaysian coach admitted that Satwik’s shoulder, which has troubled him since suffering a tear several years ago, continues to be a worry.

“Last year they had 8 semifinals and 2 finals. I think the results were quite consistent. And this year, Singapore has been the best tournament. Game-wise they are getting better now. Confidence? Okay. But what’s bothering them is the injury. That’s what’s bothering me and them also.

“So this one, especially for Satwik. His shoulder... he already had the tear. So it’s on and off. So hopefully this time he can overcome. This is my concern. Other than that, both of them are very committed, very disciplined. But injury there, we cannot do anything.”