Tanvi Patri, a 13-year-old badminton sensation from Balasore, Odisha, has made headlines by winning the Asian Under-15 Championship. Tanvi is known for her clean strokeplay and assured footwork, but her calm and controlled style distinguishes her.
Her victory was highlighted by a 22-20, 21-11 win over Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, demonstrating her ability to remain focused under pressure.
Tanvi’s game is frequently compared to elite players such as He Bingjiao, with her backhand at the net and forehand from the sides demonstrating technical maturity beyond her years. Despite being the shortest on the podium in Chengdu, her rapid moves and precise hits have allowed her to outmanoeuvre older opponents.
Her family and trainers predict a bright future for her as she prepares for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, but they are wary of putting too much pressure on her. Her coach, Sagar Chopda, emphasises her mental power and ability to rebound from slow starts, a feature that bodes well for her future.
Tanvi’s ascent in badminton has been rapid, and she has already made substantial progress in senior and junior tournaments. Her distinctive style, crisp backhand flicks, and natural strokeplay make her a player to watch in the coming years.
