History arrived in different ways at KFF Singapore Open 2026 but for India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and France’s Alex Lanier, it was ultimately a story about belief – the kind that survives setbacks, heartbreak and doubt.

Rankireddy and Shetty battled back from a game down to defeat Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 18-21 21-17 21-16, becoming the first men’s pair from their country to win the tournament. Before them, India’s success had been confined to three singles titles.

After a string of early exits in Singapore, they finally reached the semifinals last year. This week, them going all the way also ended a two-year drought dating back to the 2024 Thailand Open.

“We got on to the court knowing it would be a cracker of a match and go to the very end. Two years on, we knew eventually the win would come. We had that belief and it was just a matter of time and finally we got it,” said Shetty.

Victory meant far more for Rankireddy – something deeper, a celebration of continuity, of love returning in a new form, of a family finding joy after loss. The 25-year-old revealed his family had recently welcomed a baby girl, born to his brother. After the sudden passing of his father last year, the arrival brought comfort and hope.

“We felt like my father was reborn,” he said, dedicating the triumph to the newborn and his family. “That rocking baby celebration was for her. Pretty much happy how this day panned out.”

Later, Lanier wrote a different piece of history.

The 21-year-old overcame home favourite Loh Kean Yew 17-21 21-15 21-14 to become his country’s first male champion in tournament history. France’s only previous title had come 20 years earlier through Pi Hong Yan in women’s singles.

Unlike Rankireddy’s story of family renewal, Lanier’s triumph was forged through stubborn resilience. Faced with a partisan crowd and an opponent in inspired form, he refused to panic.

“My coach only told me just one point and one point,” Lanier said. “I wasn’t even thinking about the outcome. I was just thinking, OK, just one more.

“I’m very proud of the way I did. It was a lot of determination, a lot of trying to elevate mentally to stay in it and wait for my chance. It’s a reminder I’m able to play at this level, now it’s just about doing it consistently.”

By the end of the week, both champions had discovered the same truth.

For Rankireddy and Shetty, faith carried them through two titleless years and towards a victory dedicated to a new life. For Lanier, determination carried him into French badminton history.

Different journeys, different nations, one memorable Sunday in Singapore.