Indian badminton got a fresh boost at the US Open 2025 as two young talents, Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma, made the nation proud on the global stage. While Ayush clinched his first BWF World Tour title, Tanvi became the youngest Indian female to reach the final of a World Tour event.
The tournament, part of the Super 300 series, ended India’s long wait for a title this season and has set a strong tone for the country’s rising badminton stars.
Ayush Shetty Claims First Career Title with Dominant Final Win
Ayush Shetty, just 20 years old and ranked 34 in the world, defeated Canada’s Brian Yang in straight games to win the men’s singles title. He secured the win with a 21-18, 21-13 scoreline in just 47 minutes. This victory marks Ayush’s third win over Brian Yang this year, having also beaten him in Malaysia and Taipei.
Ayush’s road to the final was not easy. In the semi-final, he faced a massive challenge against top-seeded Chou Tien Chen, currently ranked sixth in the world. Ayush came from behind to win 21-23, 21-15, 21-14, showcasing his stamina and sharp court control.
After the final, Ayush said, “This is my first title in the senior circuit, and I am very happy. I played my best badminton this week, and this gives me confidence for the next tournaments.”
Ayush trains at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. With his height of 6 feet 4 inches and an aggressive style, many experts have compared him to Olympic gold medalist Viktor Axelsen. His consistent performances in 2025 have placed him among India’s most promising players for future Olympic and World Championship campaigns.
16-Year-Old Tanvi Sharma Impresses with Runner-Up Finish
While Ayush claimed the top prize, Tanvi Sharma, only 16 years old, delivered one of the most memorable performances of her young career. She reached the women’s singles final, becoming the youngest Indian to do so in a BWF World Tour event.
Tanvi stormed into the final by defeating Ukraine’s seventh seed Polina Buhrova 21-14, 21-16 in the semi-final. In the final, she gave a tough fight but went down to American top seed Beiwen Zhang, losing 21-11, 16-21, 21-10.
Despite the loss, Tanvi’s performance throughout the tournament stood out. She defeated several higher-ranked players, including world numbers 23, 40, 50, and 58. Her game displayed maturity, with solid backcourt control and clever shot placement. She trains at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, run by the Badminton Association of India.
Many see Tanvi as the next big thing in Indian women’s badminton, following the legacy of legends like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.
Future Looks Bright for Indian Badminton
Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma’s performance at the US Open 2025 signals a new chapter for Indian badminton. With both players showing maturity, strength, and the hunger to win at a young age, the sport is clearly in good hands.
Their success has inspired fans across the country and brought attention back to India’s badminton scene, which has been searching for fresh champions. As these two youngsters continue to rise, the dream of seeing more Indian flags flying high at world tournaments is stronger than ever.
