Indian badminton has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, and the latest BWF Rankings (as of April 1, 2025) confirm that the country is building a strong foundation for the future.
Seventeen Indian women shuttlers feature in the world’s top 100 rankings, showcasing the depth of talent in the nation.
While PV Sindhu remains the highest-ranked Indian at World No. 17, no Indian woman currently occupies a spot in the top 15. However, the presence of five Indians in the top 50, with two of them being 20 years or younger, highlights the promising future ahead.
Even more impressive is that nine of the 17 players are 20 years or younger, indicating a new generation ready to take Indian badminton to greater heights.
Let’s take a closer look at these 17 players and what their rankings indicate about the state of Indian women’s badminton.
PV Sindhu – The Leader of the Pack
- Ranking: #17
- Age: 29
PV Sindhu continues to be India’s best-ranked women’s singles player. The two-time Olympic medalist and former world champion has been the flagbearer of Indian badminton for nearly a decade. Though she is not in the top 10 currently, her experience and ability to perform in major tournaments make her India’s best hope for Paris 2024.
Rising Stars in the Top 50
Malvika Bansod (#22, Age 23)
Malvika Bansod has emerged as one of India’s most consistent players over the past couple of years. She has shown steady improvement and is knocking on the doors of the top 20.
Anupama Upadhyaya (#44, Age 20)
A former junior world No. 1, Anupama has been making waves on the international circuit. At just 20 years old, she has already climbed into the top 50 and is seen as one of the brightest young prospects.
Rakshitha Sree (#45, Age 17)
At just 17, Rakshitha is one of the youngest Indian players in the top 100. Her meteoric rise suggests she could be a major force in world badminton in the coming years.
Aakarshi Kashyap (#49, Age 23)
Aakarshi has been part of India’s senior circuit for some time now. She has been consistent in domestic competitions and has translated that form into international rankings.
Players Ranked 50-100 – The Future is Here
India’s depth in women’s badminton is further evident as 12 more players feature in the top 100.
Players Ranked 50-75:
- Unnati Hooda (#55, Age 17) – A junior sensation, she has already defeated some top players.
- Tasmin Mir (#62, Age 19) – Consistently making progress in senior tournaments.
- Anmol Kharb (#65, Age 18) – Another young player showing great promise.
- Isharani Baruah (#73, Age 21) – Steadily climbing the ranks.
- Tanya Hemanth (#74, Age 21) – A national champion with growing international exposure.
Players Ranked 75-100:
- Shriyanshi Valishetty (#82, Age 17) – A promising young shuttler.
- Tanvi Sharma (#83, Age 16) – The youngest Indian in the top 100.
- Devika Sihag (#89, Age 19) – An upcoming talent.
- Shreya Lohia (#90, Age 19) – Making a name for herself in international tournaments.
- Ira Sharma (#91, Age 25) – One of the more experienced players in this list.
- Ashmita Chaliha (#96, Age 25) – A strong domestic player pushing into the international scene.
- Mansi Singh (#97, Age 19) – Another teenager with potential.
What These Rankings Mean for Indian Badminton
The presence of 17 Indian women in the top 100 is a clear indication that the country’s investment in badminton is paying off. The rise of young players like Rakshitha Sree, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, and Malvika Bansod signals that Indian badminton is in a transitional phase, with a strong next generation ready to take over.
Key Takeaways from These Rankings
- Youth Dominance: With 9 out of 17 players being 20 or younger, the future of Indian women’s badminton looks bright.
- Need for a Top 10 Presence: While having depth is crucial, Indian badminton needs at least one or two players to break into the top 10 to compete at the highest level.
- Balanced Mix of Experience and Youth: Players like PV Sindhu and Aakarshi Kashyap bring experience, while teenagers like Tanvi Sharma and Rakshitha Sree represent the future.
Challenges Ahead
While having 17 players in the top 100 is a great achievement, Indian women’s singles still lacks a consistent top-10 player apart from PV Sindhu. To compete at the highest level, these young players need better exposure to top-tier tournaments, strong mental conditioning, and advanced coaching to bridge the gap between potential and elite performance.
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and BWF World Championships will be crucial for players like Sindhu, Malvika, and Anupama, while younger stars like Rakshitha, Unnati, and Tanvi will be eyeing success in junior and senior circuits.
Final Thoughts
The rise of 17 Indian women in the top 100 of the BWF rankings is a testament to India’s growing dominance in badminton. The challenge now is to convert these rankings into titles, medals, and global recognition. With the right support system, India could soon have multiple top-10 players, pushing for World Championship and Olympic glory.
The journey has just begun, and Indian women’s badminton is on the cusp of something special!
