Tanya Hemanth Wins Saipan International 2025 Badminton Title

Why in the News ?

• Indian shuttler Tanya Hemanth won the Women’s Singles title at the Saipan International 2025 on Saturday, 16 August.
• She defeated Japan’s Kanae Sakai 15-10, 15-8. This is Tanya’s fourth international title and her first senior title of 2025. The tournament was held in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Early Beginnings and Family Inspiration

• Tanya’s badminton journey began at home. Her mother was also passionate about badminton and would take Tanya along after school to play.
• Gradually, Tanya developed an interest in the sport and realized she had the potential to excel.

Professional Training

• Tanya started playing badminton professionally from school and participated in state-level tournaments.
• She performed exceptionally in Under-10, Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 categories.
• By class 10, she decided that to pursue professional badminton, she needed to reduce regular schooling and attended school only 2–4 days a month.

Training at Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA)

• In 2020, Tanya joined the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, where her coach Vimal Kumar trained her for senior tournaments and international competitions.

Junior Level Achievements

• After the pandemic, from 2021–2022, Tanya started participating in international tournaments. At the junior level, she won two international titles and was runner-up in one:
  • 2014: Under-13 Girls Doubles (Tamil Nadu)
  • 2018: Under-19 Singles Gold (Dubai Junior International)
  • 2018: Cyprus Junior Silver
  • 2019: All India U19 Girls Doubles (with Aditi Bhatt)

Success at Senior International Level

• In the past four years, Tanya has won four senior international titles:
  • 2022: India International – Women’s Singles
  • 2023: Iran Fajr International – Women’s Singles
  • 2024: Bendigo International – Women’s Singles
  • 2025: Saipan International – Women’s Singles

Emerging Star after P.V. Sindhu

• By winning the Saipan International 2025, Tanya has established herself as India’s emerging badminton star after P.V. Sindhu.
• In 2024, she reached the final of the Azerbaijan International but lost to fellow Indian Malvika Bansod. This recent victory demonstrates her talent, determination, and growth in the sport.