- Tanvi Sharma becomes the youngest Indian to reach a BWF World Tour final.
- Ayush Shetty stuns World No. 9 Chou Tien Chen in a gripping semifinal.
- Both Indian shuttlers head into title clashes after historic runs in Iowa.
In a remarkable display of emerging talent, India’s Tanvi Sharma and Ayush Shetty surged into the finals of the US Open Badminton 2025, a BWF Super 300 event held in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Ayush Shetty, aged 20 and seeded fourth, pulled off a sensational comeback victory over World No. 9 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the men’s singles semifinal.
Young India Makes History: Tanvi Sharma, Ayush Shetty Reach US Open Badminton Finals
Tanvi Sharma’s journey to the final highlights her growing maturity on court. Training at the Badminton Association of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, she has demonstrated remarkable agility, shot selection, and court awareness beyond her years. Her wins over higher-ranked opponents underscore her rapid rise in international badminton.
Beiwen Zhang, her final opponent, is a seasoned campaigner and currently the top seed at the tournament. Known for her aggressive playstyle and swift court coverage, Zhang will pose the toughest test yet for the young Indian. A victory for Tanvi would not only earn her first World Tour title but also cement her place among India’s most promising shuttlers.
Ayush Shetty’s performance has reflected the fruits of experience combined with youthful endurance. Previously securing a podium finish at the Orleans Masters earlier this year, Shetty has grown into a reliable competitor on the tour. His win over Chou Tien Chen—one of the most consistent players in recent years—marks a breakthrough moment in his career.
Brian Yang, his final rival, is no stranger to big matches and has enjoyed a strong season so far. The Canadian’s straight-game victory in his semifinal indicates his dominant form, but Ayush’s fighting spirit and recent scalps suggest he’s ready to take on the challenge. A win would make Ayush the second-youngest Indian male to win a BWF World Tour title.
India’s young badminton stars are redefining the sport‘s future, one fearless rally at a time. With Tanvi and Ayush on the brink of major career milestones, the US Open finals could mark a new era for Indian badminton.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt