Exclusive | ‘I became India No.1, but was not serious in playing professionally’: 16 -year -old badminton sensation Tanvi Sharma | Badminton News

New Delhi: Punjab’s 16 -year -old badminton player Tanvi Sharma wrote history in the US Open 2025 as the youngest Indian to play in the final of the BWF World Tour Finals about a week ago. While his incredible run in the finals defeated many high-ranked stars, recent 10th standard graduates are bound to be an inspiration for many people.While his dreams in the competition, Beven Zhang of the United States ended with a defeat of 21-11, 16–21, 21-10 on June 30, the future is definitely all shades of bright. Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!In a conversation with TeaIMESOFIndia.comTanvi talked about what it seemed to play against someone twice in her age, how she manages school and a badminton career and what she is watching in future.Part …Question: You played the US Open Final against Beven Zhang, a player who is more than doubled than your age. While playing against such experienced players, do you feel any pressure? A: Of course, I did not get any pressure. This was my first Super 300 final, and I was a little nervous, but there was no pressure. Yes, he is a very experienced player, and I performed my best. But she was also very good.

Question: What is the biggest challenge ever in your badminton journey? A: When we were in Hyderabad for five years, it was a very difficult time, financially. At that time, I was not mentally strong and I felt that I could not make it in badminton. But later, I became stronger.Question: Is there any senior player against whom you are eager to play? A: Yes, I want to play against the top players in the world. I want to play against a seyoung, which is world number one. I don’t think about the result, but whenever I play, I just want to give my best.

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

Question: At the age of just 16, you are already at the top of junior badminton. You are still in school. How do you find that balance? How does a normal day go? A: I study two hours a day. Of course, this is not enough, but my school is very partner. I only took my 10th board exam. It was difficult, but I managed it. I train 7-8 hours a day and I study for two hours at night.Question: You have said earlier that PV Sindhu is your idol. Is there anything you try to follow by his game and journey? A: Yes, of course. I like both Sindhu Didi (PV Sindhu) and Saina Didi (Saina Nehwal). From Sindhu Didi, I try to follow her aggression in court and her hard work works a lot. I want to bring it to my game too, and I am doing it slowly.

India’s Tanvi Sharma (Badminton Photo/Yves Lakroek via PTI Photo)

Question: Was there a moment when you realized that badminton could be more than just one hobby and in a profession? A: Yes. I became India No.1 for the first time in Under -13, but I was not serious about playing professionally. Then in 2022, I won two all-India titles in U-16 and U-17. After that, I started feeling that I could do better than moving forward. Then at the National Championship, I won in U-15, U-17 and in U-19, I was the runner-up. This greatly promoted my confidence. My mother supported me a lot and inspired me. Because of that, I was able to do so.Question: Outside badminton, what hobbies do you enjoy? A: I like cricket and also swim. I enjoy both watching and playing cricket.