Tanvi Patri sets 2028 Olympic goal after historic Youth Olympics silver medal

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Youth Olympic Games silver medalist Tanvi Patri expressed immense pride in representing India and securing a medal for the nation, setting her sights on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games as her next primary objective.

The 15-year-old became the first Indian female badminton player to earn a Youth Olympics silver medal after losing to reigning world junior champion Zhang Yi Xin in a dramatic final in Dakar, Senegal, on Thursday.

Patri saved six match points and surrendered three of her own before eventually falling 15-21, 21-13, 26-24 in a gruelling one-hour and 22-minute thriller that kept fans enthralled throughout.

Speaking to ANI, Tanvi reflected on her milestone achievement and shared her future ambitions, while also highlighting her positive stay at the event.

“I feel good and proud to be able to represent my country and bring a medal for my country. My future goal is I would like to qualify for the 2028 main Olympics if I can. I feel really good, and the Olympic Village was also so good,” she said.

With this accomplishment, Patri joins HS Prannoy (2010) and Lakshya Sen (2018) as the only Indian shuttlers to win individual silver medals at the Youth Olympic Games. Sen had also captured a mixed team gold with Team Alpha, which comprised players from eight different nations.

Epic three game battle highlights young Indian star’s resilience

During Thursday’s summit clash, Patri gradually found her rhythm in the opening game, reeling off seven consecutive points to transform a 3-5 deficit into a 10-5 lead. Constructing rallies with punch tosses and net control, the Indian wrapped up the first game in 25 minutes.

She opened the second game with a 4-0 lead, but rear-court drift compromised her clear shots, allowing Zhang to seize momentum after the interval and force a deciding game.

Zhang established an early 19-10 cushion in the decider using cross-court drops. Although Patri fought back to 19-15, an error on a cross-court smash handed Zhang five match points.

Patri remarkably saved all five and earned three gold-medal opportunities, but Zhang’s experience ultimately tipped the final balance.

(With inputs from ANI)

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