Tanvi & Vennala Smash Records – India’s Golden Badminton Moment!

Indian badminton continues its upward trajectory with a historic breakthrough at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships 2025, as Tanvi Sharma and Vennala Kalagotla became the first-ever Indian duo to secure two medals in women’s singles in a single edition of the tournament. This remarkable feat has etched their names into the annals of Indian badminton history and showcases the emerging strength of India’s junior women shuttlers on the Asian stage.

Background

The Badminton Asia Junior Championships is an annual tournament that attracts the best U-19 talent from across the continent. Historically, India has had success in individual and team events but has never won two women’s singles medals in the same edition. Prominent past medalists include PV Sindhu, Sameer Verma, and Lakshya Sen, but a double podium in women’s singles had remained elusive—until now.

Tanvi Sharma’s Road to Glory

• Tanvi Sharma, seeded second in the tournament and junior World No. 1, dominated her quarterfinal clash against Indonesia’s Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan, winning 21-19, 21-14.
• She had earlier defeated top players including Shi Si Chen (China) and Phannachet Passa-Orn (Thailand) in straight games.
• Tanvi has been in sensational form, also making headlines last month by becoming the youngest Indian finalist in a BWF World Tour event (US Open 2025).

Vennala Kalagotla’s Breakthrough

• Vennala Kalagotla, currently ranked World No. 103, battled past Thailand’s Janyaporn Meepanthong in a thrilling 3-game quarterfinal: 21-18, 17-21, 21-17.
• Prior to that, she overcame Ler Qi Eng (Malaysia) and Wen Shu-yu (Chinese Taipei) in close contests.
• Her grit and composure in long rallies demonstrated her rising potential on the international stage.

Significance of the Achievement

• This is India’s first instance of winning two women’s singles medals at the same edition of the prestigious Asia Junior Championships.
• The achievement signals the depth and diversity of India’s emerging badminton talent, particularly in women’s singles.
• It also sets the stage for these junior stars to transition into senior international competitions, boosting India’s medal prospects in future world-level events.

India’s Past Success at the Championships

• In 2011, India returned with three medals including PV Sindhu’s bronze and Sameer Verma’s silver.
• In 2012, Sindhu clinched India’s first gold in the event.
• Lakshya Sen added a second gold in 2018.
• Despite past individual successes, 2025 marks a unique milestone with dual women’s singles representation on the podium.