Guwahati: India’s rising badminton star Tanvi Sharma fell just short of a historic gold as she went down in straight games to Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak in the women’s singles final of the BWF World Junior Championships on Sunday.
The 16-year-old, who became only the third Indian woman after Aparna Popat and Saina Nehwal to reach the title clash of the tournament, lost 7-15, 12-15 to the second seed from Thailand.
Despite the defeat, Tanvi’s silver medal marked a major milestone — India’s first podium finish at the event in 17 years.
Saina remains India’s only world junior champion, having won gold in 2008 and silver in 2006, while Popat bagged silver in 1996.
The final began on an even note, with both players locked in a tight contest early on.
However, Phichitpreechasak’s deft net play and control over rallies allowed her to pull away midway through the first game.
Tanvi struggled with unforced errors, conceding the opener after a series of mistimed returns.
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The Indian made a strong start in the second game, racing to a 6-1 lead with composed shot placement, but the Thai shuttler gradually clawed back, forcing Tanvi into errors with her pace and precision.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Tanvi was unable to maintain momentum as Phichitpreechasak closed out the match with a powerful smash.
Though the defeat ended her dream run, Tanvi’s spirited performance underlined her growing stature in the junior circuit and reaffirmed India’s strong presence in women’s badminton on the global stage.
