Tanvi Sharma has made history by becoming the first Indian woman in 17 years to win a medal at the BWF World Junior Championships. On Friday, she made a remarkable comeback from a game down to defeat Japan’s Saki Matsumoto, securing her place in the girls’ singles semifinals. The 16-year-old displayed impressive composure under pressure, utilizing her cross-court slice hits to win 13-15, 15-9, 15-10 in a thrilling 47-minute quarterfinal match that captivated the audience at the National Centre of Excellence.
In contrast, eighth seed Unnati Hooda, the youngest Indian to win a Super 100 title at the 2022 Odisha Open and a member of India’s 2022 Uber Cup squad, was eliminated after losing 12-15, 13-15 to the second seed Anyapat Phichitphon of Thailand in a 32-minute quarterfinal, missing out on a medal opportunity. Additionally, India’s mixed doubles team of Bhavya Chhabra and Vishakha Toppo also faced defeat in the quarterfinals, losing 9-15, 7-15 to the Chinese Taipei pair of Hung Bing Fu and Chou Yun An.
The last Indian female to secure a world junior medal was Saina Nehwal, who won gold in the 2008 edition in Pune, having also earned a silver in 2006, while Aparna Popat won silver in 1996. Top-seeded Tanvi, who previously captured a bronze at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships earlier this year, started the match strongly, taking an early lead of 10-6. Although she lost the first game, she improved her shot selection in the second game, winning 15-9. “It is difficult to play against Matsumoto as she slows down the game. So, I knew that I had to be aggressive. I am happy that I am assured of a medal,” Tanvi commented.
She is set to face Liu Si Ya of China in the semifinals, who defeated Sri Lanka’s Ranithma Liyanage 15-9, 15-6 in the other quarterfinal. In the boys’ singles quarterfinals, Gnana Dattu fought hard against third seed Liu Yang Ming Yu of China but ultimately lost 15-11, 15-13.