India’s Tanvi Patri suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the girls’ singles final at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, losing 21-15, 13-21, 24-26 against China’s Zhang Yi Xin. The Indian shuttler produced a remarkable fightback in the deciding game, recovering from a 10-19 deficit to level the score at 24-24, but ultimately fell short by just two points.

Patri started the final on the front foot, winning the opening game 21-15 as the Indian took an early advantage in the gold-medal clash. However, the Chinese youngster responded brilliantly in the second game, dominating proceedings to register a 21-13 victory and force a decider.

The third game turned into an absolute thriller. Zhang appeared to have one hand on the gold medal after opening up a commanding 19-10 lead. However, Patri refused to surrender and began clawing her way back into the contest.

The Indian shuttler produced an incredible run of points to erase the nine-point deficit, eventually bringing the score level at 24-24. With the momentum seemingly shifting in her favour, Patri was just two points away from completing an extraordinary comeback.

However, Zhang held her nerve under pressure, winning the next two points to seal the deciding game 26-24 and clinch the gold medal.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Patri’s fighting spirit in the final was a testament to her tremendous potential and determination.

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Tanvi Patri scripts history at Dakar Youth Olympics

Patri’s run to the final was already a significant achievement for Indian badminton. She became the first Indian woman to reach the badminton girls’ singles final at the Youth Olympic Games.

The Odisha-born shuttler booked her place in the final after defeating Japan’s Yuzuno Watanabe 21-14, 11-21, 21-19 in a thrilling semifinal encounter.

Her journey also included impressive performances in the group stages and a straight-games victory in the quarterfinals.

The 15-year-old has been among India’s brightest emerging badminton talents. She previously became the first Indian shuttler to win both the U-15 and U-17 girls’ singles titles at the Badminton Asia Championships.

While the gold medal eluded her in Dakar, Patri’s remarkable campaign and extraordinary fightback in the final underline the promise she holds for the future of Indian badminton.

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