Who is Anmol Kharb, 17-year-old who stunned higher-ranked opponents at Badminton Asia Team Championships?

Teenage badminton sensation Anmol Kharb recently grabbed headlines when she secured a crucial victory in India’s Badminton Asia Team Championships semi-final against Japan in Malaysia on Saturday. Anmol, 17, secured a 21-14, 21-18 win over Natsuki Nidaira that eventually helped India beat Japan 3-2 in the semi-finals and setup a final against Thailand on Sunday. It wasn’t just about helping India reach the final. When India take on Thailand on Sunday, the women’s team’s first-ever medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships will be confirmed as India would win at least a silver. Who is Anmol Kharb? Anmol Kharb was born in Faridabad in January 2007, almost a year after Saina Nehwal had become the U19 national champion then. Having said that, Anmol took up badminton at the age of six after being inspired by her elder brother Hardik and her role model Saina Nehwal . Anmol’s mother, Rajbala, has been supporting in her badminton endeavors and she soon shifted to Noida, where she trained at the Sunrise Shuttlers Academy. At just 12 years old, Anmol would go onto win her first national title in 2019. That year was a breakthrough year, as Anmol clinched her maiden U17 All India Ranking title in Hyderabad and reach the semi-finals of the  Senior All India Ranking tournament in Visakhapatnam.   It was in the same year when Anmol would get selected for the Khelo India scheme, a scheme that helps young athletes with financial support and training. Kharb has showcased her potential in both singles and doubles categories. She won the U17 singles at the Sub-Junior Nationals in 2020 and partnered with Telangana’s Vennala K to win the  doubles title. She also reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Junior Championships and quarterfinals of the Junior World Championships . Her strengths include powerful smashes and her drops can be deceiving. She also covers the court pretty well . Kharb is ranked 472 in the world but could see a rise in rankings following her excellent performances. She even defeated higher-ranked opponents from China and Japan in the BATC tournament, including a 22-20, 14-21, 21-18 win over  Wu Luo Yu , who is ranked World No 149.