Tanvi Sharma ends India's 17-year wait for World Junior Championships medal

Young badminton star Tanvi Sharma ended India's 17-year wait for a medal at the BWF World Junior Championships on Sunday.

The 16-year-old secured silver, following a 7-15, 12-15 loss to second-seed Anyapat Phichitpreechasak of Thailand in the women's singles final in Guwahati.

Saina Nehwal was the last to win a medal at the World Junior Championships, gold in 2008. Nehwal also won a silver in 2006, and before her, Aparna Popat won a silver in 1996.

Tanvi fought hard in the title match, going level at 2 and then 4 points in the first game.

The Thai opponent's deceptive returns forced errors from Tanvi, who trailed 5-10 before a pair of smashes sealed the game for the visitor.

Tanvi took a 6-1 lead in the second game, but a couple of net errors allowed the Thai to close the gap at 5-7. Tanvi maintained a lead, at 8-5, but made unforced errors to allow her opponent into the game.