Sports/Alive News: India’s 15-year-old badminton player Tanvi Patri has created history by winning a silver medal in women’s singles at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. She became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in this event.
Tanvi lost to China’s reigning world junior champion Zhang Yi Xin in the final on Thursday. She went down 21-15, 13-21, 24-26 in a thrilling match that lasted one hour and 22 minutes.
Despite losing the second game, Tanvi made a strong comeback in the deciding game. She saved five match points and came close to winning the gold medal on three occasions. However, Zhang held her nerve to secure the title.
Tanvi Started Strong but Lost a Close Final
Tanvi won the opening game 21-15 after recovering from an early 3-5 deficit. Her strong net play and attacking shots helped her take control.
In the second game, she initially took a 4-0 lead, but Zhang fought back and won 21-13 to level the match.
The deciding game saw Zhang take a 19-10 lead. Tanvi produced an impressive comeback, saving five match points and pushing the score to 24-24. However, the Chinese player won the next two points to claim the gold medal.
Third Indian to Win Individual Badminton Silver
Before Tanvi, HS Prannoy won men’s singles silver at the Youth Olympics in 2010, while Lakshya Sen achieved the same feat in 2018.
Lakshya also won gold in the mixed team event in 2018. Tanvi has now become the third Indian badminton player to win an individual medal at the Youth Olympics and the first Indian woman to win silver in women’s singles.
BAI Congratulates Tanvi
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) congratulated Tanvi on her achievement. Its general secretary said winning silver at the age of 15 was an exceptional accomplishment.
He also praised her fighting spirit and composure, calling the medal an important milestone for Indian badminton.
