Exclusive | ‘I became India No. 1 but wasn’t that serious on playing professionally’: 16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma | Badminton News

16-year-old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma (left) (Photo: @BAI_Media on X)

NEW DELHI: Tanvi Sharma, the 16-year-old badminton participant from Punjab, scripted historical past on the US Open 2025 by changing into the youngest-ever Indian to play within the last of a BWF World Tour Final virtually every week again. While her unbelievable run to the ultimate noticed her beat a number of higher-ranked stars, the latest tenth normal graduate is certain to turn into an inspiration for a lot of.While her dream run within the competitors ended with a 21-11, 16-21, 21-10 defeat to Beiwen Zhang of the United States on June 30, the longer term is actually all shades of shiny. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In an interplay with TimesofIndia.com, Tanvi spoke on what playing towards somebody twice her age felt like, how she manages college and a badminton profession and what she’s wanting ahead to sooner or later.Excerpts…Q: You performed the US Open last towards Beiwen Zhang, a participant who’s greater than twice your age. When playing towards such skilled gamers, do you’re feeling any stress? A: Of course, I didn’t really feel any stress in any respect. It was my first Super 300 last, and I used to be a little bit nervous, but there wasn’t any stress. Yes, she’s a really skilled participant, and I performed my finest. But she was additionally superb.

Q: What’s been the largest problem in your badminton journey to date? A: When we had been in Hyderabad for 5 years, it was a really troublesome time, financially as nicely. At that time, I wasn’t mentally sturdy and felt that I couldn’t make it in Badminton. But afterwards, I became stronger.Q: Is there a senior participant you look ahead to playing towards? A: Yes, I wish to play towards the world’s high gamers. I wish to play towards An Seyoung, who’s the world primary. I don’t take into consideration the end result, but every time I play, I simply wish to give my finest.

Tanvi Sharma (Badminton Photo/Yves Lacroix through PTI Photo)

Q: At simply 16, you’re already on the high in junior badminton. You’re nonetheless at school. How do you discover that steadiness? How does a traditional day go? A: I examine for 2 hours a day. Of course, that’s not sufficient, but my college may be very cooperative. I simply gave my tenth board exams. It was powerful, but I managed it. I prepare 7-8 hours in a day and I examine for 2 hours at evening.Q: You’ve stated earlier that PV Sindhu is your idol. Is there one thing from her recreation and journey that you attempt to emulate? A: Yes, in fact. I like each Sindhu didi (PV Sindhu) and Saina didi (Saina Nehwal) loads. From Sindhu didi, I attempt to observe her aggression on the courtroom and her onerous work loads. I wish to convey that into my recreation too, and I’m steadily doing that.

India’s Tanvi Sharma (Badminton Photo/Yves Lacroix through PTI Photo)

Q: Was there a second you realised badminton might turn into greater than only a passion and right into a occupation? A: Yes. I became India No. 1 for the primary time in Under-13, but I wasn’t that serious on playing professionally. Then in 2022, I gained two all-India titles in U-16 and U-17. After that, I began feeling that I can do higher going ahead. Then within the nationwide championships, I gained in U-15, U-17 and in U-19, I used to be runner-up. That boosted my confidence loads. My mother supported me loads and motivated me. Because of that, I used to be ready to do that.Q: Outside badminton, what hobbies do you take pleasure in? A: I like cricket and in addition do swimming. I take pleasure in each watching and playing cricket.