Hoshiarpur: Mother’s tireless efforts help shuttler daughters clinch gold

Hoshiarpur-based sisters Radhika Sharma (20) and Tanvi Sharma (16) have once again displayed their remarkable talent in badminton. Just two days ago, the younger of the two clinched victory at the State Denmark Challenge 2024 and today (Thursday), the elder one bagged gold in mixed doubles at the All India Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025 in Hyderabad.

Behind their success stands their determined mother Meena Sharma, who has not only coached both daughters but also taken the extraordinary step of training herself as a coach. Though she never won a medal as a player, she has become the backbone of their journey. The trio starts their day at 4 am, heading to the stadium for training.

Meena began coaching her daughters when they were just eight years old. Tanvi started showing results early on, securing victories at local and state-level competitions in the sub-junior category. In 2016, her talent earned her selection for training at the prestigious Gopichand Academy. Around the same time, Meena enrolled in a five-year badminton coaching course to further sharpen her skills.

In 2021, after returning to Hoshiarpur, she put both girls on a disciplined training schedule. “Tanvi and Radhika are scripting a story much like the Phogat sisters of Haryana. This single mother has been remarkably successful in nurturing the talent of both her daughters. She personally accompanies them for their national and international tournaments,” said Ritin Khanna, Honorary Secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association. “From our end, we are providing every possible support. Tanvi is registered with Khelo India, and all her tours are fully sponsored by the Government of India.” Currently, Meena is accompanying Tanvi on her Europe tour.

Tanvi was part of the Indian women’s team that won gold at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships in Malaysia. In September 2023, both sisters teamed up to win gold in under-19 girls’ doubles at the National Badminton Championship in Bengaluru.

At just 14, Tanvi had already etched her name in history by winning three gold and one silver at the National Badminton Championship held in Bhubaneswar, competing in categories beyond her age group. She secured gold in U-15, U-17, and U-15 mixed doubles, along with a silver in U-19 singles. This remarkable feat made her the first Indian player to achieve such success, surpassing the early accomplishments of legends like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.