Anmol Kharb: The Rising Star of Indian Badminton

Anmol Kharb, a promising young badminton player from India, is on a determined path to success. With early achievements and a strong commitment to her sport, she aims to qualify for the Asian Games and ultimately compete in the 2028 Olympics. Balancing education and athletics, Anmol faces challenges but remains focused on improving her game and endurance. Her journey reflects the dedication and passion required to excel in badminton, making her a rising star to watch in the coming years.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 7, 2026, 14:32 IST

The Importance of Early Success in Badminton

Achieving success early in badminton, particularly in the late teenage years, is crucial. This is largely due to the fact that a player's peak performance typically lasts until around the age of 30. In contrast to other sports where athletes can adapt their game as they age, badminton players often face significant injury challenges that can hinder their performance after 30. This struggle between mental and physical capabilities is evident in the careers of players like Carolina Marin and Viktor Axelsen, as well as in the current trajectory of PV Sindhu. Sindhu was just 21 when she secured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, while Marin, the gold medalist, was 23. Anmol Kharb, a promising young talent, played a pivotal role in India's victory at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) in 2024 at the age of 17, and she followed this achievement with gold medals in both singles and team events at the 2025 National Games. However, injury setbacks and the demands of her Class 12 board exams have hindered her progress.

Balancing Education and Sports

Currently pursuing an English major at Manav Rachana University, Anmol is dedicated to her badminton career, traveling to Greater Noida for morning training sessions and returning for evening practices at her university. Her father, Devender Singh, a former Kabaddi player and advocate, emphasized the challenge of balancing education with sports. He noted, "Education is important, and we couldn't overlook that, which is why she fell behind in the rankings. Otherwise, she would have been part of India's Uber Cup team." The selection for the 2026 Uber Cup was based on rankings, and players like Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma were chosen for the singles matches, while Sindhu was the top pick. Unfortunately, India faced an early exit from the tournament, marking the first time since 2018 that they did not progress beyond the group stage.

Anmol's Journey and Challenges

Anmol is known for her agility on the court, but her physical strength has raised concerns, as her father pointed out. She often finds herself outmaneuvered. Currently, her focus is on managing injuries, refining her skills, and enhancing her endurance—an area where many Indian players struggle. The fast-paced style of international competitors often overwhelms young Indian players, as seen in the recent Uber Cup. Devender expressed confidence in Anmol's determination, stating, "She is giving it her all, and it's just a matter of time before she regains her lost ground." Anmol's immediate goals include qualifying for the Asian Games and the BWF World Championships scheduled in New Delhi from August 17 to 23. Despite a challenging start to the 2026 season, she remains optimistic about her chances for the Asian Games in Japan.

A Passionate Player

Devender describes Anmol as a 'ziddi girl' (stubborn girl), recalling how she began playing badminton at the tender age of five. Her early passion for the sport was evident when she insisted on joining her father at the local park, where she quickly began to excel. By the age of seven, she was already winning district and state tournaments. Anmol's journey into sports began with skating, but her lean physique often led to injuries, prompting her to focus on badminton instead. With her brother prioritizing academics, Anmol was encouraged to pursue her passion for badminton, receiving her first formal coaching at KL Mehta Dayanand Public School.

Inspiration and Future Aspirations

Anmol admires Tai Tzu Ying for her unique playing style and has incorporated elements of her game into her own. She first gained recognition at the Badminton Asia Team Championships, where she played a crucial role in India's victory. However, transitioning to the senior circuit has presented challenges, including injuries that have affected her performance. Despite these setbacks, Anmol is determined to improve her ranking and aims for a spot in the top 20-30 globally. She acknowledges the pressure of competing at the international level but views it as motivation to excel.

Commitment to Improvement

As she embarks on the 2026 season, Anmol is focusing on enhancing her stamina and endurance, recognizing the importance of these attributes in long matches. She has learned from past experiences, particularly a match against former World No. 1 Nozomi Okuhara, which highlighted her need for improved endurance. Anmol is committed to rigorous training, including interval workouts and endurance drills under the guidance of her coach. She is also analyzing her gameplay to identify areas for improvement, ensuring she is well-prepared for upcoming tournaments.

Looking Ahead

With the support of her family, Anmol is fully dedicated to her badminton career. She has shifted her training focus to local facilities that allow her to concentrate on her physical conditioning. Currently training at the Prometheus Sports Academy, she is honing her skills alongside state champions and para shuttlers. Her coach emphasizes the importance of patience and strategy in her game, aiming to reduce her risk of injury while maximizing her performance. Anmol is determined to make her mark in badminton and is focused on achieving her ultimate goal: competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.