![\"\u2018We](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130680884,imgsize-51280,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/ayush-shetty.jpg\" "\\"Ayush")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: India\u2019s march into the semifinals of the Thomas Cup has been powered not just by performance but by growing belief, with young shuttler Ayush Shetty declaring that the team – champion in 2022 – is confident of going the distance and reclaiming the title.Having sealed India\u2019s emphatic 3-0 quarterfinal win over Chinese Taipei<\/a>, Ayush made his intent clear after producing a superb 21-16, 21-17 victory over world No. 8 Lin Chun-Yi.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. <\/span>SUBSCRIBE NOW!<\/a>\u201cWe believe that we can go all the way. It\u2019s always been like this. We have a solid team and everyone believes that we can do it,\u201d Ayush said, underlining the squad\u2019s collective confidence.The 20-year-old, playing his maiden Thomas Cup, has been unbeaten so far and credited the team\u2019s early dominance for easing pressure in the knockout clash. \u201cYesterday was the group stage, but today there was a bit more pressure. Being 2-0 up made it a bit easier. I think I played with confidence and I\u2019m happy to win for the team,\u201d he added.Ayush also revealed a clear tactical approach against Lin. \u201cHe\u2019s an All England champion and has a really strong attack. The plan was to attack more and not give him many chances, and I think I executed that pretty well. I\u2019m happy,\u201d he said.Lakshya\u2019s fearless comeback sets tone<\/span>India\u2019s charge was ignited by Lakshya Sen<\/a>, who scripted a remarkable comeback to defeat world No. 6 Chou Tien Chen 18-21, 22-20, 21-17, saving two match points in the process.\u201cIt was a really good first game from him. He was much more fearless and I was a bit unsure whether to attack or defend,\u201d Lakshya admitted.\u201cThe second and third game, even though they went to deuce, I just took an approach of not waiting for things to happen. I tried to be more proactive, especially in the closing stages.\u201dHe also revealed how he overcame early nerves. \u201cMy coach told me I didn\u2019t look confident and that I was overthinking my strategies. He asked me to stop thinking too much and just play with my instincts,\u201d he said.Doubles pair deliver under pressure<\/span>The experienced duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy<\/a> and Chirag Shetty<\/a> then put India in command with a hard-fought win.\u201cWe really wanted that first tie in our favor\u2026 to see him win from 20-18 down to 20-20 and the way he celebrated it, I also celebrated the same way,\u201d Chirag said, highlighting the team\u2019s energy.Satwik emphasised composure as the key factor. \u201cWe had to calm down ourselves\u2026 we just wanted to play a little bit more calm and stick to the strategy,\u201d he explained.<\/div>\n