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 TimesofIndia.com, 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?
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.
