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Tanvi Sharma Ends 17-Year Wait; Guarantees Silver at BWF World Juniors

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 3 weeks ago | Oct 19, 2025 12:24 am IST
Tanvi Sharma Ends 17-Year Wait; Guarantees Silver at BWF World Juniors

India Has a New Badminton Star: 16-Year-Old Tanvi Sharma Smashes 17-Year Saina Nehwal Record, Storms into World Junior Final!

History has been made. Right here on home soil in Guwahati, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma just did something no Indian female shuttler has done in 17 long years. She’s guaranteed herself at least a silver medal at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 by storming into the girls’ singles final.

Key Takeaways

  • Tanvi Sharma ends a 17-year medal drought for Indian women at the BWF World Junior Championships.
  • She’s only the third Indian woman ever to reach the prestigious tournament’s final, after Aparna Popat (1996) and Saina Nehwal (2006, 2008).
  • The 16-year-old secured her spot by defeating China’s Liu Si Ya 15-11, 15-9 in the semi-finals.
  • Tanvi will face Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak for the gold medal.

A Dominant Performance in Guwahati

Look, the pressure was on. Playing in front of a home crowd at the National Centre of Excellence can be nerve-wracking. But Tanvi didn’t just win her semi-final match on Saturday. She dominated it.

Facing China’s Liu Si Ya, the top-seeded Indian was simply unstoppable. She wrapped up the match in straight games, 15-11, 15-9. It was a statement victory that sent a clear message to the rest of the competition. She’s not just here to participate. She’s here to win.

Walking in Legendary Footsteps

So, just how big is this achievement? HUGE. The last time an Indian woman stood on the podium at the World Juniors was way back in 2008. Her name? Saina Nehwal. Yeah, that Saina Nehwal.

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Before Tanvi, only two Indian women had ever reached the final. Aparna Popat did it in 1996, and Saina made it in 2006 and 2008. Tanvi has now joined that incredibly elite club. She has broken a barrier that stood for nearly two decades, reminding everyone of the rising power of Indian badminton.

A Year of Triumphs

But honestly, this incredible run isn’t a surprise if you’ve been watching her this year. 2025 has been Tanvi’s breakout year. She already snagged a bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships back in July. And she didn’t stop there. She even reached the final of the US Open Super 300 tournament, competing against senior players.

And it’s not just her. The entire Indian junior contingent has been on fire. They also clinched a historic bronze medal in the mixed team event, the Suhandinata Cup. It’s the first time India has ever finished on the podium in that category. Something special is definitely brewing.

The Final Showdown Awaits

Now, all eyes are on the final. On Sunday, Tanvi Sharma will face off against Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak for the ultimate prize, the gold medal. She’s already a history-maker, but can she become a world champion? What do you think?