Just a few minutes after sealing the greatest victory of her emerging career, she stood up on the side track in Changzhou without breath, but shone. Her chest emerged from a match that was tested by every inch of her condition and focus, but the smile refused to fade. A 17 -year -old woman has just defeated PV Sindu, her idol, a double Olympic medalist, and the player himself, with whom she once traveled as a teenager affected by respect during her first Uber Cup campaign.
“I didn’t think I would win today,” she admitted after still catching her breath. And yet she did it exactly: Stunning Sindu in a sharply attacked battle of three games On Thursday, July 24th, attack the quarterfinals of the China Open Super 1000.
Rinse only a few years and Ustni was a novice shuttle cord from Chamaria in Haryana, watched Sindhu’s TV matches, imitated her powerful breaking, and dream of a one -day learning from her. This dream was partially fulfilled in 2022 when Uber Cup was selected for the Uber Cup, then 14 years. She didn’t play, but traveling alongside Sindhu was, in her words, an “inspiring experience”.
That moment was planted something deeper in her-only admiration, but ambition. On Thursday in Changzhou came a full circle. This time she didn’t watch Sindu. Bila her.
Battle
Only at their second meeting, he entered the court with a mixture of respect and readiness. Sindhu, after just eliminating the sixth seed of Tomoko Miyazaki in the previous round, looked revitalizing and brought with it the command of the court, which could overcome the most emerging challenge. But Ustnati was steadfast. She compared the Sindu Rally for the Rally and showed tremendous maturity to adapt, regroup and eventually won 21-16, 19-21, 21-13.
The match was filled with dramatic controversies that followed, gathering to join energy and the swings of wild momentum. However, the defining image came in the final game. UNNATI, leading 17-13, found out over her years to close the match with sharp winners and calm ice.
Unnati’s journey began at the age of eight. She was born on September 20, 2007 in Rohtak, Haryana and was introduced into her sport by her father Upakar Hooda, Badminton himself. It wasn’t long before the older boys played at the local academy. Upakar realized her potential and eventually left his work to support his tournament travel in India.
From the bronze medal to the National U-13 in 2018 to the crowned National Champion U-15 in 2019, its increase was stable. Under the remarkable eye of the coach of Parvesha Kumar, she tuned his technique thanks to exhausting exercises-1,600 shots in one session.
This determination carried fruit in 2022 when she won Odisha Open for just 14 years and became the youngest Indian, who has ever won the title BWF Super 100. Its momentum continued in 2023 and victory in Abu Dhabi Masters and India International Challenge and promoted it to the TOP 100 in the world.
UNNATI, which has now been included as high as in the world 35, is quickly climbing. At the beginning of this year, the Taipei Open semi -finals, Super 300 events reached.
Calm and folded
What distinguishes tight is not just her smooth work or expectations, even if they are both remarkable-it’s her mental determination. Her victory over Sindu was not a flash of brilliance; It was the result of preparation, faith and the ability to stay at rest at pressure moments.
“She gave her everything, so I had to give everything,” she said after a winning summary of the match that demanded everything from her.
Even outside the court, its focus is unwavering. In the midst of international tournaments and global travel, we managed to notice an impressive 93 percent in 2025 in 2025 in 2025 in 2025. Her discipline goes beyond the boundaries of the court.
Next is a quarterfinal clash against Japanese Akane Yamaguchim, double world champion and one of the most important players on the circuit. Another steep test awaits, but if he showed something this week, it is that UNNATI HOODA no longer plays with admiration with wide eyes. He plays to win.
For those who wondered where other Indian PV Sindu or Saina Nehwal could emerge, there may be an answer in a state that gave India that gave India the first badminton icon-haara.
“She comes (rows) and I wish her all the best,” Sindu said after their meeting.
“Indian badminton rises and does well and many other girls like she is. It’s a good sign.”
And when the legend approves, you know that the future has actually arrived.
– ends
Published:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
July 24, 2025
