Tanvi Sharma did something special in Guwahati at the BWF Junior World Championships 2025, becoming the first Indian in 17 years to win a girl’s singles medal. In the summit clash, the top-seeded Indian shuttler lost to Thailand’s second seed, Anyapat Phichitpreechasak, 7-15, 12-15, and finished as a runner-up.
The National Centre of Excellence was full with a passionate crowd cheering for the new star of Indian badminton.
In the initial phase of the first game, Tanvi played percentage badminton but made multiple judgment errors. She committed unforced errors while attempting crosscourt smashes from the baseline and ended up hitting the net instead. Tanvi tried to push Anypat to the backcourt to set up the Thai shuttler but couldn’t succeed. Multiple errors in deception and judgment cost Tanvi the opening game, losing 7-15.
She started her second game a bit improved, forcing the Thai shuttler to the baseline and creating opportunities for smashes. This helped her race to an early 6-1 lead. However, Tanvi failed to maintain the momentum and repeated the same mistakes she made in the first game and put herself under pressure. The game was level at 8-8 before Anyapat pressed on the pedal, winning 4 consecutive points and soon reaching the game point. Tanvi tried to mount a late comeback but her efforts were not enough, and she lost the gold medal match in straight games.
The 16-year-old from Hoshiarpur, Punjab has tried to emulate Saina Nehwal’s iconic feat from 2008 in Pune but fell under pressure and made many unforced errors. Tanvi became only fifth Indian and third women’s singles shuttler to win a silver at the Junior Worlds. Before Tanvi only two Indians had medals in girls singles at Junior World Championship – Aparna Popat won silver in 1996 and Saina Nehwal clinched silver in 2006 and gold in 2008.
This is just the start for young Tanvi. She made headlines earlier this year when she reached the US Open S300 final and also won bronze at the Asian Junior Championships. She was part of India’s victorious women’s team of the Badminton Asia Team Championship 2024. With such talent and experience at this age, she has everything to shine at the senior level.
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