In a week that has already given Indian badminton fans plenty to cheer for, 18-year-old Anmol Kharb scripted yet another milestone moment in her young career by storming into the semifinals of the BWF Super 500 Arctic Open 2025.
The teenager from Haryana produced a mature, composed performance to defeat Denmark’s Amalie Schulz 21–15, 21–14 in the quarterfinals a result that not only secured her maiden semifinal appearance at the Super 500 level but also reaffirmed her place among the brightest rising stars in women’s singles badminton. The straight-game victory her third consecutive win over Schulz was a blend of confidence, precision, and unflinching belief. With this win, Anmol becomes the third Indian women’s singles player to reach a semifinal at a Super 300+ event this year, following in the footsteps of P.V. Sindhu and Ashmita Chaliha.
More significantly, she becomes the first Indian woman since Sindhu to reach the semifinals of a Super 500 event, ending a long wait that began after Sindhu’s final run at the Malaysia Masters 2024. At just 18, Anmol is now the youngest Indian woman to reach a Super 500 semifinal in the BWF World Tour era, a statistic that underlines not just her potential but her growing consistency at the senior international level.
A Year of Steady Climb
Anmol’s rise has been a steady and determined journey rather than a meteoric flash. After a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries and form fluctuations, she began 2025 with renewed focus. Her gold medal win at the 38th National Games in February, where she defeated Anupama Upadhyay 21–16, 22–20, was a turning point. It was followed by her spirited run at the Guwahati Masters later that year, where she upset former World No.16 Lalinrat Chaiwan 21–13, 22–24, 22–20 to reach the semifinals. But perhaps her most defining moment prior to this Arctic Open came on the team stage at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024.
Then just 16, Anmol was handed the responsibility of closing out India’s decisive fifth match against China, the reigning team powerhouse.
Under immense pressure, she delivered a fearless performance, sealing India’s famous victory. That match announced her arrival as a player built for the big stage. Her first international title came at the Belgian International 2024, where she triumphed as a World No. 222, defeating Amalie Schulz the same opponent she would later beat in Finland to win her maiden senior crown. It was an early glimpse of her fighting instinct and technical maturity.
The Arctic Open Run: A Breakthrough
At the Arctic Open 2025, Anmol began her campaign as an underdog but has looked increasingly assured with every match. Her journey to the semifinals has been marked by grit, adaptability, and an ability to thrive under pressure. In the Round of 32, she produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, defeating World No.21 Lin Hsiang Ti of Chinese Taipei 23–21, 11–21, 21–18. It was a performance full of energy and control, where she recovered from losing the second game to close out the decider with poise.
She followed that up with a three-game victory over Wen Yu, overcoming a late challenge from her opponent who came from 9–16 down to 17–18 before Anmol held her nerve to close out the match. By the time she entered the quarterfinals, she had already exceeded expectations, but her 21–15, 21–14 demolition of Schulz was something special. Her attacking precision, sharp net play, and ability to vary pace frustrated the Dane throughout the encounter.
This semifinal run guarantees her a live world ranking of around 44, a career-high mark, and a clear indication that she is ready to break into the top 50 for the first time.
Semifinal Challenge and Context
In the semifinals, Anmol will face Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. Yamaguchi, has been a model of consistency, having reached the semifinals in each of her last nine individual tournaments. The Japanese star’s control, retrieving ability, and tactical discipline make her one of the toughest opponents in the circuit.
Elsewhere, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan and Ratchanok Intanon also advanced to the semifinals, setting up an intriguing all-Asian last-four lineup. Busanan’s appearance marks her first semifinal in over a year since the Japan Open 2024 while Ratchanok continues her record of consistency, reaching back-to-back semifinals at the Arctic Open. Except for 2021, the Thai legend has reached at least one Super 500 final every year in the BWF World Tour era.
Anmol Kharb’s Arctic Open campaign represents more than just a personal breakthrough it signals a new chapter for Indian women’s badminton. With P.V. Sindhu managing a reduced schedule and Saina Nehwal retired, the search for the next generation of singles stars has been ongoing. In Anmol, Indian badminton seems to have found a young player capable of carrying that torch forward. Her journey from a teenager who stunned China at the team championships to a Super 500 semifinalist within 18 months embodies the evolution of Indian badminton’s developmental depth.
Her composure, court awareness, and fitness have matured remarkably, and she now carries herself with the confidence of someone who belongs among the elite. As she prepares for the biggest match of her career yet, the Arctic chill in Vantaa has turned into a warm glow for Indian badminton. Whether or not she progresses to the final, Anmol Kharb’s semifinal at the Arctic Open 2025 has already rewritten the record books and rekindled hope that Indian women’s singles has found its next beacon.
Score: Anmol Kharb (IND) def. Amalie Schulz (DEN) 21–15, 21–14
Next Match: Semifinal vs Akane Yamaguchi (JPN)
Ranking Projection: Live World No. 44 (Career High)
