'I became India No. 1 but wasn't that serious on playing professionally': 16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma

Time of India

08-07-2025

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.
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In an interaction with
T
imesofIndia.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.
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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.