October 18, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau) : Indian badminton prodigy Tanvi Sharma made history at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025, clinching a bronze medal and ending India’s long-standing medal drought in the global youth tournament. However, the heartwarming triumph came with an unexpected twist — her coach’s light-hearted “scolding” after the final point.
The 16-year-old from Haryana, who trains under the Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) junior program, captured attention worldwide with her determined run to the semifinals. Tanvi’s performance marks India’s first medal at the prestigious junior event in four years, reviving hopes for the next generation of Indian shuttlers after a quiet spell following Lakshya Sen and Sankar Muthusamy’s earlier successes.
Despite her historic feat, Tanvi’s celebration was momentarily interrupted when her coach, Sagar Dhawan, offered a mock scolding courtside. The reason? Her exuberant celebration before ensuring the shuttle hit the ground. Speaking to reporters after her match, Tanvi laughed, saying, “Sir shouted, ‘Finish the point first!’ I was so happy I forgot the shuttle was still mid-air. It was funny, but also a reminder to stay focused.”
The lighthearted exchange went viral on social media after a clip of the moment surfaced, drawing smiles from fans and fellow players. Many praised the bond between the young player and her coach, calling it an example of the discipline and mentorship shaping India’s new generation of badminton stars.
A Journey of Grit and Determination
Tanvi’s journey to the world stage has been anything but easy. Coming from Ambala, Haryana, she started playing badminton at the age of 8 at a local academy with limited resources. Her father, a government school teacher, and her mother, a homemaker, supported her aspirations despite financial challenges.
After years of dedication and early morning practice sessions, Tanvi earned a spot in the national training program in Hyderabad under the supervision of coach Sagar Dhawan. Her disciplined approach, quick footwork, and attacking game style made her one of India’s most promising young shuttlers.
In this year’s World Junior Championships, Tanvi displayed incredible composure, defeating higher-ranked opponents from Japan, Indonesia, and Denmark. Her quarterfinal victory against Indonesia’s Maya Kusuma was especially impressive, as she battled back from a game down to win 19-21, 21-16, 21-15.
Although she lost in the semifinal to China’s Chen Yuxin, who eventually won the gold, Tanvi’s spirited play and tactical maturity earned widespread admiration.
Coach’s Perspective
Coach Dhawan’s “scolding,” while playful, came from his constant emphasis on focus and finishing points decisively. “Tanvi has tremendous potential,” he said. “But at this level, one lapse in concentration can cost a match. I told her not to celebrate until the shuttle lands — it’s a lesson every young player learns.”
He also praised her resilience. “She trains six hours a day, follows her recovery routines perfectly, and keeps improving her shot selection. She has the hunger to succeed, and this medal is just the beginning.”
BAI and Fans Celebrate the Moment
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) congratulated Tanvi on social media, calling her medal a “moment of pride for the nation.” Several senior players, including PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and HS Prannoy, also took to X (formerly Twitter) to applaud her achievement.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, wrote, “Congratulations Tanvi! The start of a beautiful journey. Keep shining and stay grounded.” Saina Nehwal, who won a world junior medal in 2008, added, “The hard work shows. This is how champions are built.”
India’s Mixed Fortunes at the Championships
India’s overall campaign at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 saw several promising performances but few podium finishes. While Tanvi’s bronze was the standout, doubles pair Riya Thakur and Sneha Vishwanath reached the quarterfinals, and Aarav Kashyap made it to the round of 16 in the boys’ singles.
Experts believe Tanvi’s medal could inspire more young Indian players to aim for international success. Badminton analyst Gaurav Khanna said, “India’s junior system is evolving. With improved support, fitness, and tactical training, we’re closing the gap with China, Japan, and Indonesia.”
Balancing Studies and Sport
Interestingly, Tanvi continues to manage her schoolwork alongside international competition. A Class 11 student, she studies through online classes during tournaments and dedicates evenings to academic revision. Her mother shared, “She carries her textbooks everywhere. Even after long matches, she spends an hour studying before bed.”
Tanvi’s determination extends beyond the court — she hopes to pursue sports psychology in college and support other young athletes someday.
Looking Ahead
With her breakthrough bronze, Tanvi Sharma now aims to focus on the Asian Junior Championships and senior-level tournaments in 2026. Her goal is to qualify for the Paris 2028 Olympics, and her current trajectory suggests she’s on the right path.
When asked how she celebrated the medal, Tanvi smiled, “I called my parents first. My mom cried. Then I had a big bowl of ice cream — that’s my post-win ritual.”
Her coach added with a grin, “After that scolding, she definitely earned it.”
As India celebrates its new badminton star, Tanvi Sharma’s success story stands as a testament to dedication, humility, and the importance of small moments — like a coach’s reminder — in shaping champions.
Summary
Teen sensation Tanvi Sharma ended India’s medal drought at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 with a bronze. Her viral “scolding” moment with coach added charm to her inspiring victory.