Fresh from becoming the first Indian woman to win the Korea Open badminton title, teenage sensation Tanvi Sharma has credited a growing belief in her own abilities for her remarkable rise on the international circuit.
The youngster, who has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Indian badminton, said the biggest change in her game over the past year has been her mental approach. Rather than worrying about her opponents or the outcome of matches, Tanvi now focuses on her own strengths and the aspects of the game she can control.
“I think the biggest change is that I believe in myself much more now. Earlier, I used to think a lot about the opponent and the result, but now I focus more on my own game and what I can control. I’ve started believing that I belong at this level,” Tanvi said.
The Korea Open triumph is the latest milestone in what has been a breakthrough season for the young Indian. Before her success in Korea, Tanvi had already announced her arrival on the senior circuit by winning the Taipei Open, a victory she describes as a turning point in her career.
“I think winning the Taipei Open was a very important moment for me. Playing against strong senior players and winning the tournament gave me a lot of confidence. It made me realise that I can compete with these players and that I’m ready to take the next step,” she said.
Indian badminton has produced iconic champions such as Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, whose achievements have inspired a generation of players. Tanvi counts both among her role models, but the teenager is determined to build a legacy that is uniquely her own.
“I’m really inspired by what Saina didi and Sindhu didi have achieved for Indian badminton. Of course, it would be a big responsibility to carry that legacy, but I also want to create my own identity. I want people to know me for my own style, my own journey and my own achievements,” she said.
Competing regularly against experienced players has also helped Tanvi understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level. She believes the difference between promising talent and a consistent champion often lies in mental strength and discipline.
“The biggest lesson is that talent is not enough at this level. You need patience, consistency and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Experienced players can change the momentum very quickly, so I’ve learned to stay focused point by point and not get carried away by the score,” she explained.
Despite her recent success, Tanvi remains aware that there is plenty of work ahead. She is focused on improving her physical strength, consistency and tactical awareness as she aims to challenge the world's top-ranked players on a regular basis.
“I think there are still many areas I need to improve, especially consistency and physical strength. I also want to become better tactically and improve my ability to control rallies against the very top players. I know it will take time, but I’m ready to keep working and improving every day,” she added.
With the Korea Open title already in her trophy cabinet and confidence at an all-time high, Tanvi Sharma has announced herself as one of the most exciting young talents in world badminton. The teenager may draw inspiration from Indian badminton's greats, but her ambition is clear — to create a legacy that bears her own name
By Joe Williams
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