India has long looked to its badminton legends, with P.V. Sindhu standing tall as a double Olympic medallist and one of the most decorated players in the country’s history. However, at 29 years old, Sindhu is nearing the latter stages of her career, raising the question of who will carry India’s hopes forward. Enter Anmol Kharb, a rising 17-year-old star who has recently clinched back-to-back titles in the Belgian and Polish International tournaments. Could she be the next big name in Indian badminton, competing against the likes of An Se Young and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung?
Anmol Kharb: Prodigy in Making
Anmol Kharb’s recent performances have caught the attention of badminton enthusiasts across the globe. Her victory in the Polish International 2024, where she defeated Switzerland’s Milena Schnider 21-12, 21-8 in just 33 minutes, showcased her dominance on the court. Prior to this, she had won the Belgian International, catapulting her up the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings by 57 spots. At just 17, she is proving to be a force to be reckoned with, defeating higher-ranked opponents with ease.
Her accomplishments at such a young age draw parallels to other global badminton stars like South Korea’s An Se Young and Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. Both have made significant strides in their careers early on, with An Se Young already a world champion and Olympic gold medallist by 22.
An Se Young: South Korean Sensation
At just 22, An Se Young has already cemented her status as one of the greatest in the sport. Born in Gwangju, South Korea, she burst onto the international scene at a young age and has continued to impress ever since. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first South Korean women’s singles player to win the BWF World Championships title, and in 2024, she clinched gold at the Paris Olympics. Her aggressive play style, coupled with incredible agility, has made her nearly unbeatable on the court.
An’s dominance goes beyond just winning titles. She claimed the women’s singles gold at the 2023 Asian Games and was a key player in South Korea’s Uber Cup-winning teams in 2022. By August 2023, An Se Young reached the top of the BWF rankings, confirming her as the No. 1 player in women’s singles badminton. Her career trajectory, from being a promising junior player to a global superstar, showcases her consistency and work ethic, making her a model for young shuttlers like Anmol Kharb to emulate.
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung: Indonesia’s Hope
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, 25, is another prominent name in women’s badminton. The Indonesian player first rose to fame by winning the World Junior Championship in 2017, marking her as one of the brightest talents in the sport. Since then, she has continued to develop her game, balancing aggressive net play with strategic shots that can dismantle even the toughest opponents.
Tunjung’s journey in senior badminton has seen her take on the world’s best, with notable wins and consistent performances in top-tier tournaments. In 2023, she claimed her first BWF World Tour title at the Spain Masters, defeating P.V. Sindhu in the final, and went on to reach several other prestigious finals, including the Malaysia Masters. Her mental resilience and ability to challenge higher-ranked opponents, such as Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi and China’s Chen Yufei, have solidified her place as a top-10 player. She has also bagged a bronze medal at recently concluded Paris Olympics.
Despite some early setbacks, Tunjung has become a symbol of perseverance. She has carried the hopes of Indonesia on her shoulders and has shown that she can compete with the very best, including An Se Young. Her playing style, which blends powerful smashes with technical finesse, offers a distinct contrast to other players on the circuit.
Competing on Global Stage
An Se Young and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung have set high standards in women’s badminton, dominating the court with their tactical brilliance and consistency. Anmol Kharb, though still developing, has shown a similar hunger and determination to succeed. Her ability to win matches in straight games, as seen in both the Belgian and Polish Internationals, is a testament to her growing skillset and mental toughness.
While Kharb still has a way to go before reaching the top 10 in the world, her rapid rise suggests that she could be India’s answer to these global champions. If she continues to build on her current form, she may soon find herself competing regularly against the likes of An and Tunjung.
Promising Future for Indian Badminton ft Anmol Kharb
With P.V. Sindhu nearing the twilight of her illustrious career, India is in search of its next badminton icon. Anmol Kharb, with her youthful energy and consistent performances, appears to be a strong contender to fill that void. While only time will tell if she can reach the heights of An Se Young and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, the future certainly looks bright for Indian badminton with Kharb leading the charge.
Could Anmol Kharb be the next global badminton sensation? Only time will tell, but her recent successes suggest that she is well on her way.
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