India has announced its 19-member squad for the Badminton Asian Junior Championships 2025, scheduled to be held in Solo, Indonesia, from July 18 to 27. The team comprises promising young talents who will compete in both team and individual events.
Spearheading the squad is Tanvi Sharma, a rising star in Indian badminton and a gold medalist in the Badminton Asia Women's Team Championship. Currently ranked No. 2 in the BWF junior rankings, Tanvi will lead India's challenge in the women's singles category. Her recent achievements and high ranking make her a strong contender for a medal at the championships.
Adding further strength to the squad is the world No. 1 junior men's doubles pair of Bhargava Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gibburu. Their dominance in the junior circuit makes them a crucial component of India's team, and their performance will be vital to India's chances in the tournament.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has high hopes for this young team, recognizing the potential of India's junior circuit to produce world-class talent. BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra stated that the preparatory camp will help sharpen the raw potential of these players into medal-winning form, underlining the association's commitment to nurturing young badminton stars.
The team event at the Badminton Asian Junior Championships will be played in a unique relay format. In this format, the first team to reach 110 points will be declared the winner. The competition will begin with a group stage, followed by knockout rounds, where the top two teams from each group will advance. This format adds an element of excitement and requires strategic team composition and coordination. The team competitions are scheduled from July 18–22, while the individual events will be held from July 23–27.
Before heading to Indonesia, the full squad will participate in a national preparatory camp at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati from July 4 to 15. This camp aims to refine the players' match readiness, sharpen their game plans, and foster synergy across different categories. The NCE Guwahati will also host the BWF Junior World Championships later in the year, providing an additional incentive for the players to perform well and gain experience on home ground.
Other notable players in the squad include Rounak Chouhan, who is ranked 12th in the boys' singles, and Vennala Kalagotla, who will participate in both singles and doubles events. Their versatility and skills will be valuable assets to the Indian team.
The full squad is as follows:
With a blend of experienced and upcoming players, the Indian squad is well-prepared to compete at the Badminton Asian Junior Championships 2025. The team's performance will not only be a reflection of their individual skills but also of the strength of India's junior badminton program. The championships are a crucial stepping stone towards the BWF Junior World Championships, and the players will be eager to make a mark on the continental stage.
