Tanvi Sharma became the first Indian woman in 17 years to win a medal at the BWF World Junior Championships, staging a comeback to beat Japan’s Saki Matsumoto to reach the semi-finals of the girls’ singles on Friday.
At just 16, Tanvi showed remarkable composure under pressure, making pinpoint shots across the court and finding winners to outlast Matsumoto 13-15, 15-9, 15-10 in a thrilling 47-minute quarter-final that kept the fans at the National Center of Excellence on their seats.
Before Tanvi, the last Indian woman to win a medal at the World Junior Championships was Saina Nehwal, who claimed gold in Pune in 2008. Nehwal also won silver in 2006, while Aparna Popat’s 1996 silver remains the other rare podium finish for an Indian woman in the tournament’s history.
Tanvi will face China’s Liu Si Ya to advance to the finals. With her quarterfinal victory in mind, the youngster said she had to play aggressively to counter Matsumoto’s slow-down strategy.
“Matsumoto is hard to play against because she slows down the game. So I knew I had to be aggressive. I’m happy to be assured of a medal,” said Tanvi.
Tanvi Sharma is making a stunning comeback
Top seed Tanvi started very well and soon built a 10-6 lead. However, a sudden series of unforced errors allowed Matsumoto to make it seven points in a row, turn the tide and take the first match.
In the second game, Tanvi found her rhythm again and dominated with accurate stroke selection to secure a 15-9 win. The third game got off to a nervous start for her as early mistakes led to a 5-8 loss at the change of sides.
Tanvi was undeterred and regrouped, winning four points in a row to lead 9-8. She then outsmarted Matsumoto with clever slaps and cross-court smashes to seal the historic triumph.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 17, 2025
