ANMOL KHARB : AN ORDINARY SHUTTLER OR THE FUTURE
Indian women’s singles category still searching for the answer – “ who after Saina and Sindhu ? ”
18th feb 2024 – Social media was on a deluge, praising a newcomer the hero of historic gold medal at 2024 Asian Badminton Women’s Team championship.
Anmol Kharb the 16-years-old prodigy has taken over the badminton fans.
Some said we found the future while some preferred to wait a little longer as Indian shuttlers comes and falls like a star.
Anmol the Haryana born had rapid growth, clinching Under-17 sub junior national championship when she was only 13.
Later she went on to win 2023 national senior championship, thus confirming her spot to 2024 Badminton Asia women’s Team Championship.
It was the event of her recognition. Being ranked 472 globally she shocked many power houses in the deciding matches of elimination stages.
She defeated Wu Luo Yo 🇨🇳 (#149) 22-20,14-21,21-18 . In semis Natsuki Nidaira 🇯🇵 (#29) and in finals Pornpicha Cheikeewong🇹🇭 (#45) 21-14,21-9.
What she is doing now ? Is she winning tournaments? Has she broken into top-50 ?
Well, the answers might not be encouraging.
She is currently ranked 67th in the world being WS no.8 for India.
The path ain’t smooth as Anmol twisted her ankle last year April at Uber cup match against Han Yue, retiring mid way.
Took a break and then made a comeback at European leg where she won back to back international titles Polish International 2024 and Belgian International tournaments. She also finished runner up at Guwahati Masters S100 falling short against much experienced Chinese Cai Yan Yan.
She again had injury during 2025 National Games in semifinals match against Tasnim Mir.
Anmol showed resilience and defeated top seed Anupama Upadhyaya in finals to win the Gold medal. She defeated Anupama Upadhyay 21-16, 22-20 in a thrilling final.
Despite this Anmol Kharb is having an off-season 2025 with nil international wins.
She participated in Swiss Open and German Open where she lost the 1st main draw encounters to Anupama Upadhyaya and Riko Gunji respectively, without taking a single game.
In a battle between India’s upcoming shuttlers, Anupama Upadhyaya came out on top
She defeated 18-year-old Anmol Kharb 21-14, 21-13 in the opening round of the Swiss Open (Super 300).
Anmol doesn’t belongs to a sporting background, coaching started under Kusumm Singh at Sunrise Shuttlers Academy, Noida. Later got privilege of additional coaches like Parupalli Kashyap and Gurusai Dutt.
Recently she is training under Hendra at Manav Rachna Center, Faridabad.
Anmol has a firce and attacking gameplay. She often get praise for her on court intelligence and resilience.
“ Yes, this kid has special talent and has the potential to makeit big.” – coach Gopichand about 18-years-old Anmol Kharb.
Some say Anmol is 67th now globally ,but 17 years old Santosh Ramaraj and Unnati Hooda are 45th and 55th !
Even 16-years Tanvi Sharma inching closer now at 87th and internationally Tomoka is already in top10.
But fans and critiques should understand that injury slowed down her progress a bit. She also lacks in terms of experience.
Anmol achieved her career best ranking on 11th march 2025 i.e. world no. 62.
She still has a wide career in-front of her. She already showed that she is not afraid to face quality opponents.
It’s just the matter of time, accurate polishing of her skill can make Anmol a force in her category.
Indian women’s singles head coach Irwansyah will take the responsibility.
Searching another Saina or Sindhu is meaningless. She is aiming to be the 1st ever ANMOL KHARB.
