At just 13 years old, Tanvi Patri has already made a name for herself in the world of badminton. Recently crowned as the Asian Under-15 champion in Chengdu, China, Tanvi’s journey to this success is as unique as it is inspiring. Her story begins in the heart of China, a country renowned for producing badminton champions, where she laid the foundation of her sporting career.
Early Beginnings in China for Tanvi Patri
Tanvi’s father, Rabinarayan Patri, who worked as a software professional, chose to move his family to China’s Jiangsu province in 2015, a decision that would shape Tanvi’s future. Jiangsu, known for its sports culture, particularly in badminton and table tennis, became the backdrop for Tanvi’s early training.
At just six years old, Tanvi won a local tournament in Kunshan, igniting a passion that would only grow stronger with time.
In China, Tanvi received top-notch training under coaches Zhang Lei and Wu, who focused on building her fundamentals. The rigorous training included meticulous footwork drills, practicing serves 200-300 times a day, and learning how to defend against smashes.
This early exposure to high-level coaching set Tanvi apart from her peers, giving her a solid technical foundation that would later prove invaluable.
Return to India and continued growth
In 2020, the Patri family returned to India. Despite the change in environment, Tanvi’s passion for badminton remained undiminished. Her father shared videos of her training with coaches at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bengaluru, who were immediately impressed by her strong technical skills. She was soon invited to train at the academy, where she continues to hone her skills under the guidance of top coaches.
Sagar Chopda, a coach at PPBA, praises Tanvi for her advanced technical abilities. “She has trained in China, so she is technically very strong — from her movement to court coverage to her sense of timing when playing strokes. It’s rare to see such maturity in a 13-year-old,” Chopda notes to Indian Express.
Role of family in Tanv Patri success
Tanvi Patri’s success is not just a result of her hard work; it is also a testament to her family’s unwavering support. Her father ensured she stayed focused on her training, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they relocated to rural Odisha. There, Tanvi continued to train, playing with older boys and men, which helped accelerate her skill development and competitiveness.
Her mother, Sailabala, also played a crucial role, encouraging Tanvi’s fitness routine from a young age. In China, they had access to an Olympic-standard stadium, where Tanvi would run five kilometres daily, helping build her stamina and strength. Additionally, her love for skating, which she developed in China, contributed to her excellent balance on the badminton court.
Looking Ahead: Aiming for Olympic Glory
While Tanvi Patri has already achieved significant success at a young age, her father, Rabinarayan, has set his sights on even greater heights. The ultimate goal is Olympic gold, with a tentative target of the 2028 Olympics. However, Rabinarayan is careful not to push too hard, allowing Tanvi to develop at her own pace while keeping her motivated and focused on her long-term goals.
Tanvi’s story is one of dedication, discipline, and a unique upbringing that has given her the tools to become a world-class athlete. As she continues to train and compete, the world will be watching to see if this young star can turn her potential into reality and bring home the ultimate prize — an Olympic gold medal.
