Gen Next shuttlers poised to carry the mantle

After the era of Olympic medallists Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, Indian badminton is witnessing the rise of a promising new crop of players. These budding shuttlers are showing that the sport, born in India, has a bright future, particularly in the women’s category. With their skills, determination and early international exposure, these young girls are ready to carry forward the legacy of their predecessors.

Among them, Tanvi Sharma from Punjab has emerged as a standout performer. The 16-year-old won a silver medal for India at the BWF Junior Championship in Guwahati, becoming the only player after Saina Nehwal, who had won a gold in Pune way back in 2008, to secure a medal at this prestigious event. Tanvi’s success is a clear sign that Indian badminton’s pipeline of female talent is strong and growing.

“These budding players have truly come of age and are making their mark in this racquet sport,” said Vimal Kumar, former Indian coach and Dronacharya awardee. “They are talented, fearless and committed. With the right guidance, training and exposure to international tournaments, they have the potential to dominate at the highest levels.”

Vimal Kumar, who is the director and chief coach at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, emphasised the importance of physical conditioning and mental preparation. “They have the skill and determination to meet the challenges posed by badminton powerhouses like China, Malaysia and Japan, which have traditionally dominated women’s badminton. But talent alone is not enough. Structured training, fitness programs and mental toughness will be key to their success,” he said.

Tanvi Sharma shared her own experience of training and competing internationally. “I am fully committed to this sport,” she said. “Winning the gold at the Asia Team Championships in 2024 was a big motivation. It has taught me that with hard work, dedication and belief in myself, I can aim for even bigger achievements.”

Other promising young girls making waves include Tanvi Patri (14), Unnati Hooda (18), Anmol Kharab (18), Devika Sihag (19), and Isharani Baruah (20). Each of them has demonstrated remarkable talent in domestic and international competitions, and together, they represent the future of Indian women’s badminton.

Experts believe this new generation is not only capable of maintaining India’s reputation on the global stage but also of elevating it further. With consistent support from academies, federations and experienced coaches, India’s next female shuttlers are poised to challenge and possibly surpass the benchmarks set by Nehwal and Sindhu.

“The journey ahead is long, but the foundation is strong,” said Vimal Kumar. “These girls have the talent, the determination and the spirit of champions. It’s just a matter of time before we see them shining at the Olympics and World Championships, just like their predecessors.”

With such a talented pool of young players, the future of Indian badminton, especially in the women’s category, looks brighter than ever. The new crop of shuttlers is ready to step onto the world stage and continue the story of India’s sporting excellence, proving that the country’s love for badminton is as strong as ever.