Thirteen-year-old Tanvi Patri from Odisha has emerged as a rising star in Indian badminton, capturing the girls’ singles title at the U-15 Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. Her victory marks a significant achievement for India, offering a glimmer of hope amidst recent struggles in the sport.
Patri’s journey to the top began in China, where her parents worked as software professionals. She first picked up badminton at the age of eight and quickly displayed exceptional talent. After returning to India in 2020, she joined the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bangalore, where she has honed her skills under the guidance of renowned coaches.
In Chengdu, Patri showcased her resilience and determination, fighting back from a deficit in the opening game to secure a 22-20, 21-11 victory over Vietnam’s Thi Thu Huyen Nguyen. Her performance throughout the tournament was flawless, as she did not drop a single game.
Vimal Kumar, Director of PPBA, sees great potential in Patri, comparing her to the early days of P V Sindhu, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players. “She has a long way to go, but with her temperament, she has great potential,” said Kumar.
Patri’s parents, Rabinarayan Patri and Sailabala Panda, have been instrumental in her success. Rabinarayan, who works from home, accompanies Patri to the academy and provides unwavering support.
Patri’s achievements extend beyond the U-15 Badminton Asia Championships. She has also won the U-15 and U-17 girls’ singles titles in the All India sub-junior ranking tournaments and the gold medal in the 35th Sub-Junior National Championships.
Her success has not come without challenges. In 2022, she reached the quarterfinals at the German Junior International in Berlin, but was forced to withdraw due to an injury. However, she has bounced back stronger than ever, proving her determination to reach the highest levels of the sport.
As Patri continues to develop, she is expected to be a strong contender for the 2028 or 2032 Olympics. Her talent, resilience, and unwavering support system make her a promising star in Indian badminton.
