Indian shuttler Tanvi Patri scripted history at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, becoming the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the competition after clinching silver in the girls’ singles event on Friday.
The 15-year-old went down fighting against reigning world junior champion Zhang Yi Xin of China in a thrilling three-game final, losing 15-21, 21-13, 26-24 in a contest that lasted one hour and 22 minutes.
Tanvi came agonisingly close to winning gold after producing a remarkable fightback in the deciding game. Trailing 10-19, the Indian displayed tremendous fighting spirit to save five match points and create three opportunities of her own to seal the title. However, Zhang held her nerve in the closing stages to eventually secure victory.
The Indian had made an impressive start, overcoming an early deficit in the opening game with a seven-point scoring streak to take a 10-5 lead. Her clever punch tosses and excellent control at the net helped her take the first game.
Zhang responded strongly in the second game, capitalising on the conditions and taking control after the mid-game interval to level the contest.
The decider turned into a gripping battle, with Zhang opening up a commanding 19-10 advantage through her sharp cross-court drops. But Tanvi refused to surrender, mounting a spirited comeback that nearly turned the final in her favour.
Despite missing out on gold, the silver medal marks a landmark achievement for Indian badminton, particularly in the women’s category.
Before Tanvi, HS Prannoy (2010) and Lakshya Sen (2018) had won individual silver medals in badminton at the Youth Olympic Games.
Tanvi’s historic podium finish adds another significant chapter to India’s growing presence in international junior badminton.
