GUWAHATI: India’s young badminton star Tanvi Sharma fell just short of creating history at the BWF World Junior Championships, settling for a silver medal after losing to Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak in the women’s singles final on Sunday.
The 16-year-old, who emulated legends Saina Nehwal and Aparna Popat by becoming only the third Indian woman to reach the final of the prestigious event, went down 7-15, 12-15 to the second seed from Thailand.
With this, Tanvi ended India’s 17-year medal drought at the World Junior Championships — and added her name to the elite list of Indian medallists alongside Saina (gold in 2008, silver in 2006) and Aparna (silver in 1996).
The opening game began on an even note, with both players locked at 4-4 before the Thai took control through clever placement and deceptive net play, racing to a 10-5 lead. A few unforced errors from Tanvi and a precise backhand winner from Phichitpreechasak handed the Thai the first game.
Tanvi came back strongly in the second, moving ahead 6-1 with some sharp returns, but errors crept in once again, allowing Phichitpreechasak to close the gap. The Thai’s variation and control at the net helped her overturn the deficit and surge ahead after the interval.
Despite Tanvi’s determined fightback and a couple of exquisite net dribbles, Phichitpreechasak maintained her composure, producing a string of cross-court smashes to seal the match and the championship.
Though the loss ended her golden dream, Tanvi’s impressive run marked a significant milestone for Indian badminton — a reminder that the next generation is ready to shine on the world stage.
