The Syed Modi International Super 300 badminton tournament has become a stage for rising Indian talent, with 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma leading a successful home contingent into the semifinals. Continuing her dream run, Sharma secured her place in the women’s singles final four after a dominant performance on Friday.
Sharma, who had already caused a major upset by toppling the second seed and former world champion Nozomi Okuhara in the previous round, showed maturity beyond her years to defeat Hong Kong’s Lo Sin Yan Happy. The young Indian dispatched her opponent in straight games, winning 21-13, 21-19 in a brisk 38-minute quarterfinal match. Her consistency and aggressive style signal a breakthrough moment in her career, marking her as a player to watch on the global circuit.
The challenging road ahead continues for the teenager, who is now set to face the Japanese fifth seed, Hina Akechi, in the semifinals. Akechi advanced after a strong showing against third seed Sung Shuo Yun, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between youth and experience.Compatriot Unnati Hooda also battled through to the semifinals after a grueling three-game victory (21-15, 13-21, 21-16) over fellow Indian Rakshitha Sree Santosh R. Hooda will next compete against Turkey’s fourth seed, Neslihan Arin.
India is guaranteed a finalist after veteran Kidambi Srikanth progressed due to the retirement of his opponent, Priyanshu Rajawat. Srikanth is scheduled to meet another Indian, Mithun Manjunath, in the semifinal, ensuring the home flag flies high in the title clash.
Further solidifying India’s presence, the top-seeded women’s doubles pair, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, advanced easily, and Jolly secured a second semifinal berth in the mixed doubles category.
The impressive sweep of wins has set up a thrilling Super Saturday, where multiple Indian shuttlers will vie for a chance at the final, underscoring the growing depth of the country’s badminton talent pool.
