Bhubaneswar: India’s young badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma capped off a brilliant campaign at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 in Guwahati with a silver medal, after going down 7-15, 12-15 to Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak in the girls’ singles final on Sunday.
The 16-year-old, who was chasing history to become only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal (2008) to win the girls’ singles world junior crown, fought valiantly but could not find her rhythm against the in-form Thai opponent. Despite the loss, Tanvi’s performance throughout the week was one of grit, skill, and composure beyond her years.
The final started on a slow note for Tanvi, who struggled to counter Anyapat’s fast rallies and precise drops in the opening game. The Thai shuttler dominated early, racing ahead with sharp cross-court smashes to take the first game 15-7.
In the second game, Tanvi found her touch and began using her trademark net play and wristy deception to trouble Anyapat, keeping scores close till 10-10. However, a few unforced errors and fatigue in the closing stages saw the Thai close out the match 15-12 to seal the title.
Tanvi’s journey to the final had been remarkable. She defeated China’s Liu Si Ya 15-11, 15-9 in the semifinals, showcasing her ability to stay composed under pressure. Known for her tactical thinking and sharp reflexes, Tanvi displayed maturity far beyond her age throughout the tournament, often turning matches around with clever variations and control at the net.
Speaking after the match, Tanvi admitted, “It wasn’t the result I wanted, but I’m proud of how far I came. Playing in front of the home crowd and reaching the final means a lot. This is just the beginning.”
Her silver marks a historic achievement for India, making her only the second Indian girl ever to reach the World Junior final, and signaling the rise of another promising women’s singles star in Indian badminton.
While the title eluded her this time, Tanvi’s silver medal run in Guwahati is a sign that India’s next generation of badminton talent is in safe hands — and that she’s ready to take on the senior world soon.
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