Rising badminton star Radhika Sharma, inspired by her sister Tanvi's historic Taipei Open win, is now aiming to break into the elite ranks of the BWF doubles circuit.

Key Takeaways

  • Radhika Sharma is currently ranked 79th in the BWF women's doubles rankings.
  • She is training under legendary coach Pullela Gopichand in Hyderabad.
  • Her younger sister, Tanvi Sharma, recently became the Taipei Open champion.
  • Radhika aims to become part of the world's top-ranked mixed doubles pairs.

At the Chandigarh Badminton Academy, a heartwarming scene unfolded recently: Radhika Sharma, a rising force in Indian badminton, stood proudly applauding her younger sister, Tanvi Sharma. While Tanvi has been making headlines as the Taipei Open champion, Radhika is quietly building her own legacy in the doubles arena.

The 20-year-old Hoshiarpur shuttler, currently ranked 79th in the BWF Women's Doubles rankings alongside partner Sathwik Reddy, is on a steep upward trajectory. Her breakthrough came in February 2026 at the Azerbaijan International tournament in Baku, where she secured her first international title. To refine her skills, she has recently moved to Hyderabad to train under the prestigious guidance of former All England champion and chief national coach Pullela Gopichand.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the depth of Indian badminton talent is expanding beyond singles players. The emergence of specialized doubles talents like Radhika Sharma indicates a strategic shift in Indian training ecosystems, focusing on multi-disciplinary success that can lead to Olympic glory in both singles and doubles categories.

"Seeing Tanvi win titles doesn’t create pressure... I feel more motivated seeing her win and create records; I draw inspiration from her whenever I feel low." - Radhika Sharma

Radhika's journey began at the age of seven under the watchful eye of her mother, Meena Sharma, a former badminton coach. From winning district titles at eight to competing in the World Junior Championships in Spain and the USA, Radhika has consistently proven her mettle. Her recent achievements include a silver at the Bonn International in Germany and a bronze at the Singapore International.

Historical Background

Badminton in India has evolved from a recreational pastime to a professional powerhouse. The transition of players like Radhika from regional academies in Punjab to elite training centers like NCOE Guwahati and eventually to the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad mirrors the professionalization of the sport in India.

Did You Know?: Radhika Sharma was already a district junior champion by the age of eight!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Radhika Sharma's doubles partner?
Radhika Sharma currently competes in mixed doubles with partner Sathwik Reddy.

2. Where does Radhika Sharma train currently?
She is currently training in Hyderabad under the mentorship of Pullela Gopichand.