India’s next generation of badminton talent continued to make a strong impression at the Senior Nationals Badminton Championships in Vijayawada on Thursday, as Tanvi Sharma, Rounak Chauhan, and Tanvi Patri produced composed performances to advance to the quarterfinal stage.
Competing against more experienced opposition, the trio underlined why they are regarded among the most promising juniors currently transitioning into the senior circuit.
World Junior Championships silver medallist Tanvi Sharma once again demonstrated her ability to handle pressure situations, overcoming 10th seed Devika Sihag in a three-game women’s singles pre-quarterfinal. Tanvi controlled the opening game with authority, winning 21-11 through sharp net play and consistent attacking returns. Devika responded strongly in the second game, capitalising on Tanvi’s errors to level the contest 21-10. However, Tanvi regrouped quickly in the decider, reasserting control with her pace and precision to close out the match 21-10.
The victory further cements Tanvi Sharma’s growing reputation as one of India’s most technically assured young players. Her ability to reset after losing momentum has been a defining feature of her campaign so far, and it will be tested again in the quarterfinals when she faces Rakshita Sree. Rakshita advanced with a straight-games win over Sneh Lamba, 21-13, 21-11, setting up an intriguing clash between two players looking to establish themselves at the senior level.
Another junior who continued her steady rise was Tanvi Patri, who delivered a controlled performance to defeat Parul Choudhary 21-14, 21-17. Patri showed maturity beyond her years, absorbing pressure in the longer rallies and picking her moments to attack. Her consistency from the backcourt proved decisive, particularly in the closing stages of both games.
Patri’s reward is a challenging quarterfinal against Aakarshi Kashyap, one of the most experienced players in the field. Kashyap reached the last eight after eliminating third seed Anmol Kharb in straight games, 21-18, 21-18. The match promises to be a valuable learning experience for Patri, who will be tested against Kashyap’s physicality and tactical awareness.
At the top end of the women’s singles draw, the seeded players also progressed, though not without moments of resistance. Top seed Unnati Hooda was pushed hard by M Meghana Reddy, dropping the opening game 19-21 before responding with greater control and intensity. Unnati raised her level in the second and third games, winning 21-14, 21-12 to secure her quarterfinal spot. The comeback highlighted her ability to manage difficult situations, an essential trait for a player carrying the expectations of top seeding.
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Second seed Anupama Upadhyaya had a comparatively smoother outing, dispatching Anvi Rathore 21-13, 21-5. Anupama’s aggressive approach and superior court coverage allowed her to dictate the rallies from early on, underlining her status as one of the title contenders in the women’s singles draw.
In the men’s singles Round of 16, Rounak Chauhan delivered one of the standout performances of the day, producing a composed display to upset sixth seed Lakshya Sharma 21-16, 21-16. Rounak’s win was built on solid defence and timely counter-attacks, preventing Sharma from settling into his rhythm. The result further emphasised Rounak’s growing confidence at the senior level, as he continues to translate his junior success into consistent performances against higher-ranked opponents.
Elsewhere, second seed M Tharun showed why he remains one of the favourites in the men’s draw, ending Abhinav Garg’s run with a convincing 21-15, 21-5 victory. Tharun’s sharp movement and ability to finish points efficiently ensured that the contest never drifted out of his control.
With the quarterfinal line-up now taking shape, the Senior Nationals in Vijayawada are increasingly reflecting a broader shift within Indian badminton. The steady emergence of juniors like Tanvi Sharma, Tanvi Patri, and Rounak Chauhan alongside established names suggests a healthy competitive environment, where young players are not merely participating but actively challenging the senior hierarchy.
As the tournament moves into its decisive stages, the focus will remain on whether this new generation can continue to sustain their momentum against tougher opposition.
