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Time of India
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'I became India No. 1 but wasn't that serious on playing professionally': 16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma
16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma (left) (Photo: @BAI_Media on X) NEW DELHI: Tanvi Sharma, the 16-year-old badminton player from Punjab, scripted history at the US Open 2025 by becoming the youngest-ever Indian to play in the final of a BWF World Tour Final almost a week back. While her incredible run to the final saw her beat several higher-ranked stars, the recent 10th standard graduate is bound to become an inspiration for many. While her dream run in the competition ended with a 21-11, 16-21, 21-10 defeat to Beiwen Zhang of the United States on June 30, the future is certainly all shades of bright. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In an interaction with T , Tanvi spoke on what playing against someone twice her age felt like, how she manages school and a badminton career and what she's looking forward to in the future. Excerpts... Q: You played the US Open final against Beiwen Zhang, a player who is more than twice your age. When playing against such experienced players, do you feel any pressure? A: Of course, I did not feel any pressure at all. It was my first Super 300 final, and I was a little nervous, but there wasn't any pressure. Yes, she's a very experienced player, and I played my best. But she was also very good. Poll Do you think Tanvi Sharma will become a top badminton player in the future? Definitely Probably Not Sure Unlikely Q: What's been the biggest challenge in your badminton journey so far? A: When we were in Hyderabad for five years, it was a very difficult time, financially as well. At that time, I wasn't mentally strong and felt that I couldn't make it in Badminton. But afterwards, I became stronger. Q: Is there a senior player you look forward to playing against? A: Yes, I want to play against the world's top players. I want to play against An Seyoung, who is the world number one. I don't think about the outcome, but whenever I play, I just want to give my best. Tanvi Sharma (Badminton Photo/Yves Lacroix via PTI Photo) Q: At just 16, you're already at the top in junior badminton. You're still in school. How do you find that balance? How does a normal day go? A: I study for two hours a day. Of course, that's not enough, but my school is very cooperative. I just gave my 10th board exams. It was tough, but I managed it. I train 7-8 hours in a day and I study for two hours at night. Q: You've said earlier that PV Sindhu is your idol. Is there something from her game and journey that you try to emulate? A: Yes, of course. I like both Sindhu didi (PV Sindhu) and Saina didi ( Saina Nehwal ) a lot. From Sindhu didi, I try to follow her aggression on the court and her hard work a lot. I want to bring that into my game too, and I'm gradually doing that. India's Tanvi Sharma (Badminton Photo/Yves Lacroix via PTI Photo) Q: Was there a moment you realised badminton could become more than just a hobby and into a profession? A: Yes. I became India No. 1 for the first time in Under-13, but I wasn't that serious on playing professionally. Then in 2022, I won two all-India titles in U-16 and U-17. After that, I started feeling that I can do better going forward. Then in the national championships, I won in U-15, U-17 and in U-19, I was runner-up. That boosted my confidence a lot. My mom supported me a lot and motivated me. Because of that, I was able to do this. Q: Outside badminton, what hobbies do you enjoy? A: I like cricket and also do swimming. I enjoy both watching and playing cricket. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Teen talent Tanvi Sharma aims higher after US Open runner-up finish
**EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this image via Badminton Photo, India's Tanvi Sharma celebrates after winning a point against Ukraine's Polina Buhrova during her women's singles semi-final match at the US Open 2025 badminton tournament, in Iowa, USA. (Badminton Photo/Yves Lacroix via PTI Photo)(PTI06_29_2025_000030B) Bengaluru: Tanvi Sharma, 16, signalled the arrival of a new force in Indian women's badminton with a runner-up finish at the 2025 US Open Super 300 in Iowa on Sunday. The talent from Punjab showcased grit and flair throughout the tournament, registering wins over opponents ranked 23, 58, 50 and 40 in the world, before going down fighting to Beiwen Zhang in a gripping final. Topseeded Zhang won 21-11, 16-21, 21-10. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Although Tanvi missed out on the title, the unseeded youngster made history, becoming the youngest from the country to reach a BWF World Tour Final. 'I've worked on my endurance and that's paid off. I'm very proud of myself, but I have a lot more to achieve. I want to replicate this performance in Super 750, 1000, and 500 tournaments,' the elated youngster told TOI from Iowa. Tanvi, who is now looking forward to the Asian Junior Championships next month, dominated higher-ranked opponents in the competition with her deceptive playing style, often drawing her opponents to the net before sending down crosscourt smashes to leave the experienced players second-guessing. Tanvi entered the final without dropping a game. Tanvi, who idolises PV Sindhu, has set her sights on the 2028 La Olympics. 'I want to win gold at the LA Olympics!' Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
