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On February 18, Indian women shuttlers scripted history by securing maiden gold at the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2024 in Malaysia. The team featuring Indian women’s badminton pioneer PV Sindhu outclassed Thailand 3-2 to win first-ever gold. While the squad had several match-winners including Sindhu and Gayatri Gopichand, a name that emerged as India’s new beacon of hope in women's badminton is Anmol Kharb.
A young teenager hailing from Faridabad, Anmol, staying true to her name translating into, ‘precious’, won India’s decider rounds in clashes against China, Japan, and Thailand in the tournament. In the final round, when the score tally read 2-2, Anmol stood by the team’s side and defied all expectations to guide her side to a historic win. The 17-year-old playing her second major senior International tournament shouldered the responsibility and took down higher-ranked Pornpicha Chowikeewong 21-14, 21-9 in the finale.
Needless to say, the victory proved to be Anmol’s breakthrough performance on the international stage, and fans as well as pundits have also started to see her as the next big name in women’s badminton scenario. SportsTiger talked to Anmol, where the young shuttler talked about her recent win and ultimate goals. The rising star who trains at the Sunrisers Shuttlers Academy in Noida, said that she wants to represent India and secure a gold at the LA 28 Olympics.
Anmol, who saw a jump of 136 places to secure new rankings at 336th spot said, “Right now, my goal is to establish myself on the international stage and improve my ranking. But, my long-term or ultimate goal is to represent India at the LA 28 Olympics and secure gold for the country.”
Anmol’s fighters’ spirit and sincerity make her different from her peers: Kusumm Singh
Anmol’s coach Kusumm Singh said that Anmol’s dedication, fighter spirit, and sincerity help her stand apart from her peers. Singh, who trains Anmol at the Sunrisers Shuttlers Academy told SportsTiger, “Talented students know how to make their own place in a class of 30. Those who want to do big in life, don’t need anything else to move ahead, they are capable on their own.”
“When a young player steps onto the court, the coach already knows by their attitude and discipline if they are special. What sets players apart is if they are entering the court with an ‘always excusing’ attitude or a ‘never give up’ attitude,” added Kusumm, while answering what sets Anmol different from others.
Singh, who has been a contemporary of Saina Nehwal, went on to say, “Despite travelling for hours from Faridabad to Noida daily, Anmol never compromised with the effort.” In addition, Anmol also talked about her first interaction with PV Sindhu and other big names. She said that the senior players welcomed her with warmth and supported her throughout the tournament.
