Rising Star Tanvi Sharma: From Hoshiarpur to Junior World No. 1 in Badminton

At just 16, Tanvi Sharma from Hoshiarpur has made headlines by becoming the Junior World No. 1 in badminton and finishing as the runner-up at the BWF Super 300 US Open 2025. Her journey, heavily influenced by her mother Meena's dedication and coaching, mirrors the paths of badminton legends like PV Sindhu. With a series of impressive victories and ongoing training under national coach Park Tae Sang, Tanvi is poised for a bright future in the sport. Read on to learn more about her inspiring story and upcoming challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 02:12 IST

Tanvi Sharma's Journey to Badminton Stardom

Without the unwavering support and guidance of her mother, Meena Sharma, the journey of 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma from Hoshiarpur might have taken a different path. Recently, Tanvi achieved the remarkable feat of being ranked as Junior World No. 1 in badminton and secured the runner-up position at the BWF Super 300 US Open 2025.

As comparisons arise between Tanvi and renowned badminton players like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, those familiar with her upbringing highlight Meena's dedication. An early riser, Meena would arrive at the Hoshiarpur badminton stadium by 4 am to coach her daughters, Tanvi and her elder sister Radhika (20). According to Ritin Khanna, honorary secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association, Meena would lock the stadium doors to ensure focused practice sessions lasting an hour and a half before school.

Meena's commitment extended beyond morning practices; from 2016 to 2021, she relocated to Hyderabad with her daughters to train at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. During this period, she managed their nutrition, academics, and even trained as a badminton coach herself. Khanna noted that Meena effectively became a personal coach, nurturing both daughters into international badminton champions.

Meena expressed immense pride in Tanvi's achievements, especially after coach Park Tae Sang remarked on her aggressive playing style reminiscent of Sindhu's. Olympian PV Sindhu has personally congratulated Tanvi and continues to offer guidance. Meena, a former volleyball player and current badminton coach at Hoshiarpur Badminton Academy, recalled a memorable encounter between Tanvi and Sindhu at a Noida event, where Sindhu practiced with the young player, inspiring her aspirations.

Initially, Meena focused on Radhika's training, bringing Tanvi along to prevent her from idling at home. However, as Tanvi began winning medals at a young age, the family shifted their focus to her as well. In December 2022, Tanvi made history by winning the U-15 singles, U-17 singles, and U-15 mixed doubles finals at the National Badminton Championship, also securing a silver in U-19 singles.

Currently, both sisters are training in Guwahati under national coach Park Tae Sang. Tanvi has signed with IOS Sports and Entertainment, which will support her in upcoming national and international competitions. Upon her return from the US, Tanvi will head straight to Guwahati to continue her preparations for the Asian Championship in Indonesia, scheduled from July 18 to 27.