Tanvi Patri Creates History, Becomes First Indian Woman to Reach Youth Olympics Badminton Semis

Indian badminton’s rising star Tanvi Patri scripted a historic milestone at the Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first Indian woman shuttler to reach the badminton semifinals at the prestigious multi-sport event.

The 15-year-old from Odisha secured her place in the last four with an impressive straight-game victory over Thailand’s Kungkaew Kakanik, winning 21-17, 21-13 in the quarterfinals. Tanvi displayed composure and control throughout the contest, sealing the match in convincing fashion to move a step closer to a historic medal.

Tanvi, who trains at the Centre for Excellence in Bengaluru, will now face Japan’s Yuzuno Watanabe in the semifinals. The encounter will also present an opportunity for the Indian teenager to avenge her previous defeat against the Japanese shuttler. The two had met at the 2024 Pathum Thani Junior International Series in Thailand, where Tanvi lost 14-21, 10-21.

Before Tanvi’s breakthrough, only three Indian shuttlers had reached the badminton semifinals at the Youth Olympics. HS Prannoy won silver at the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010, while Lakshya Sen finished runner-up at the 2018 Games in Buenos Aires. Aditya Joshi reached the boys’ singles semifinals in 2014 but returned without a medal.

Tanvi has already established herself as one of India’s most promising young badminton talents. She previously won the girls’ singles titles at both the Badminton Asia U-15 and U-17 Championships in Chengdu, China, becoming the first Indian shuttler to achieve the double continental triumph.

Her latest achievement further strengthens India’s hopes of a strong finish in badminton at the Youth Olympics, with the teenager now just one victory away from securing a place in the final.