In a stunning display of raw talent and homegrown grit, 19-year-old Surya Charishma Tamiri from Vijayawada clinched the women's singles title at the Senior National Badminton Championships, defeating a series of highly-rated, academy-trained opponents on her home courts.
A Dream Run on Home Turf
The teenager, who received no formal training at the prestigious badminton academies in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, or even her neighbouring regions, crafted a fairytale victory. She learned the game's nuances under local coaches Bhaskar and Kiran Mouli. Her triumphant week saw her defeat a string of fancied players, culminating in the national title win on the same DRMC courts where she trains daily.
Charishma's path to glory was nothing short of spectacular. She first ousted Unnati Hooda, the only Indian after Saina Nehwal to have beaten PV Sindhu, in straight games in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal, she overcame Rakshitha Sree Santosh Ramraj, a trainee from the famed Pullela Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad. The final witnessed her downing the highly-touted 14-year-old Tanvi Patri, an Under-15 Asian Championship gold medallist who trains in China and is often compared to Sindhu for her style.
Cool Head and Clear Game Plan Impress Experts
What stood out for the experts was not just her victories, but her composed demeanour and tactical clarity on court. Prominent coach DK Sen, father of star shuttler Lakshya Sen, was highly impressed. "It's a good sign that a player has emerged from nowhere and from a little-known place," Sen said. "I'm impressed that she is executing her game plan on the court. She has a cool head and has a great future. However, to excel at the international level she needs to improve her attacking skills."
The sentiment was echoed by a senior coach who spoke to TOI, emphasizing that such raw talent is rare and must be nurtured. "I'm shocked how someone with no formal training at a big academy can play so well. I hope the Badminton Association of India (BAI) doesn't neglect her," the coach added.
From Accompanying Her Father to National Champion
Charishma's journey began when she would accompany her father to the local DRMC badminton courts as a five-year-old. Coach Bhaskar, spotting her innate skill, took her under his wing. With coach Kiran Mouli later joining the setup, 'Cherry', as she is fondly called, started winning district and state championships before making a mark in ranking tournaments.
Her major breakthrough, however, came in her own backyard last Sunday. "This is something I dreamt of. Last year I lost in the quarterfinals and winning such a big title at home is like a dream come true for me," an elated Charishma said after her victory. While her future training plans are uncertain, she expressed confidence that with better facilities, she could achieve more while continuing to train with her local coaches in Vijayawada.
This remarkable victory by Surya Charishma Tamiri has sent a powerful message to the Indian badminton ecosystem, proving that exceptional talent can emerge from outside the traditional academy hubs with the right dedication and guidance.
