World No 1 rank is a boost and I wish to take this consistency to the senior category as well:Tasnim Mir

Indian Badminton sensation focused on performing well in senior ranks

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: Sixteen years old Tasnim Mir, who became the first Indian badminton player to be ranked World No 1 has said her sole focus is in doing well in the senior ranks as well. The Gujarati girl is determined to compete in the Olympic Games.

“I always want to perform well. This [World No 1 rank] is a boost and I wish to take this consistency to the senior category as well,” Tasnim Mir said in a virtual media intreraction facilitated by the Sports Authority of India. “I want to perform well when I play senior tournaments and of course, compete in the Olympic Games,” she said.

Tasnim Mir clinched three titles in BWF junior tournaments to claim the pole position in the World Rankings. She has been training under Indonesian coach Edwin Iraiwan in Guwahati for the last four years. “Edwin sir is very experienced. I have improved a lot under him. He makes me play with senior players, especially men. Competing with the men has helped me.”

Tasnim Mir, who trained at the SAI-Gopichand Academy for two years, is indebted to her father Irfan Mir for exposing her to the sport. “Since he is a coach, he would take me to the stadium since I was 7 years old. I fell in love with the sport and started regular practice. Since then, I competed in State-level tournaments and moved into the sport full time. I have never thought of playing any other game. My father is my only inspiration.”

A Khelo India scholar, Tasnim Mir was inducted in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development Group in July 2020. “Sponsorship always helps. SAI has supported me a lot in my journey. Badminton is an expensive sport and tournament expenses are tough. These schemes have been supportive and helped me compete in tournaments.”

Tasnim Mir, who has a psychologist to help her, says she has matured over the years. “My psychologist always motivates me even when I lose. He says failure is a part of life. There are many good players in India now and I know I have slight pressure and a responsibility because the nation will hinge its hopes on me. However, I’m looking at improving myself.”