In the warm afternoon glow of their backyard, Meher Gupta (12) and Tanvi Gupta (9) rallied back and forth across their net. Meher sent the birdie high into the air and watched in horror as her sister jumped into the air, pulling her arm back before swinging her badminton racket down, a smash aimed at Meher’s face. Meher barely had any time to move out of the way as the smash hit its target, sending Tanvi into a fit of laughter before helping her sister up. Such is the relationship Meher and Tanvi have fostered, a testament to their bond as sisters.

Ever since Meher was 7 years old, she and Tanvi have played badminton together in their backyard. As they grew up, their passion for the game also grew. This season, Meher and Tanvi are both playing for the badminton team.

“I’ve been playing in my backyard with my sister for a really long time, but this is the first time I’m on an actual team,” Tanvi said. “That’s why this is exciting.”

Their first time playing doubles together on the school team was during the Sue Minnock tournament, March 23-24. After winning two games, they lost in the round before the quarterfinals. Even though they didn’t place as well as they had hoped, Meher said that she was still proud of how they played together.

“I thought we were communicating well during that game,” Meher said. “We were always aware of where we were on the court. I think we did well overall. We could have gone farther, but it was a good experience.”

According to Meher, the many years spent together practicing in their backyard played a big part in their chemistry on the court. 

“We both have pretty similar playing styles, having grown up playing together,” she said. “It’s not as easy as you would think. We can’t read each other’s minds, but we figure it out and we’re good at communicating with each other.”

In addition to their communication, Tanvi said she thinks her faith in her sister to follow through also contributes to their connection as a team. 

“We can both rely on the other to hit the birdie back [over the net], and there’s an amount of trust on the court,” Tanvi said.

After watching Meher and Tanvi play during the tournament, the coach partnered them up in the game against Torrey Pines, March 26. They won their sets 21-9 and 21-5, helping Westview secure a 13-4 win.

Tanvi said that Meher acts as a role model from whom she can learn and grow. 

“Badminton is definitely something we can both bond over and talk about,” Tanvi said. “[Meher is] good to go to for advice for technique and also just suggestions in general.”

This season, the sisters said that they are excited to keep playing together. 

“I’m looking forward to playing more against a variety of other people,” Meher said. “I’m excited to see how we progress throughout the season, like how we grow as a partnership and just players in general.”