Tanvi and Vennala Make History with Bronze Wins at Asia Junior Badminton

Overview:

India’s campaign at the Badminton Asia Junior Individual Championships 2025 in Solo, Indonesia ended on a high as Tanvi Sharma and Vennala Kalagotla clinched bronze medals in women’s singles. This marks the first time two Indian female shuttlers have stood on the podium in the same edition of the tournament.

Key Highlights:

- Tanvi Sharma, seeded second, lost to China’s eighth seed Yin Yi Qing 13-21, 14-21 in a 35-minute semifinal.

- Vennala Kalagotla went down fighting against China’s Liu Si Ya 15-21, 18-21 in 37 minutes.

- Both players showed grit and resilience, with Vennala saving three match points before a late error ended her run.

- Tanvi led 6-1 in the second game but couldn’t hold off Yin’s comeback.

Significance:

- This double podium finish ends India’s seven-year medal drought at the event.

- Tanvi and Vennala join PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen as the only Indians to medal in singles at this championship.

- Tanvi’s bronze follows her runner-up finish at the US Open Super 300 last month, reinforcing her rising status in global badminton.

India’s Overall Performance:

- The 19-member contingent returns with two medals, a morale-boosting result for junior badminton in the country.

- India had earlier exited in the quarterfinals of the mixed team event.

Sources: Times of India, Rediff, Deccan Herald, Telangana Today, The Bridge, Sportstar, Olympics.com, Economic Times, News18