Sixteen-year-old Tanvi Sharma is rapidly emerging as a prominent figure in Indian badminton, drawing comparisons to iconic players like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. With her sights firmly set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this rising star is diligently honing her skills and striving to emulate the success of her celebrated predecessors.
Sharma's journey in badminton began at a young age, guided by her mother, Meena Sharma, a former volleyball player. Recognizing her daughter's potential, Meena introduced Tanvi to the sport, setting her on a path toward what could be a brilliant career. In 2016, Sharma joined the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Academy, where she underwent rigorous training and development. Currently, she hones her skills at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati.
Sharma's recent achievements have propelled her into the spotlight. Notably, she secured a silver medal at the 2025 US Open Super 300, becoming the youngest Indian to reach a BWF World Tour final. En route to the final, she demonstrated her prowess by defeating several higher-ranked opponents. Other notable achievements include a gold medal at the 2024 Asia Team Championships and participation in the 2024 Uber Cup squad. She also claimed titles at the 2024 Bonn International and the 2025 Denmark Challenge. As of June 30, 2025, Sharma holds an impressive record of 51 wins and 20 losses. As of July 1st, 2025, she was ranked No. 1 in the BWF Junior Women's Singles.
Sharma's playing style is characterized by a combination of speed, strength, and adaptability. Her aggressive approach and ability to outmaneuver opponents have drawn comparisons to Nehwal and Sindhu, both of whom have achieved significant success on the international stage.
Sharma's coach, Park Tae-Sang, who previously guided PV Sindhu to Olympic bronze and Commonwealth gold, sees immense potential in her. He aims to mold her into a player who embodies the best qualities of both Nehwal and Sindhu: Nehwal's trickiness and Sindhu's aggression. Park has set an ambitious goal for Sharma: to win a gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Looking ahead, Sharma is focused on the Asian Junior Championships and World Junior Championships. She is also determined to improve her performance in Super 750, 1000, and 500 tournaments. Sharma's ultimate goal is to consistently challenge herself at the highest level and make her country proud on the biggest stage.
As Sharma continues her ascent in the world of badminton, she carries the hopes of a nation eager to witness the emergence of the next superstar. With her talent, dedication, and unwavering spirit, she is well-positioned to leave a lasting mark on the sport and inspire a new generation of Indian badminton players.
