Unnati Hooda Dethrones Sindhu in Round of 16 Clash
In what could be remembered as the dawn of a new era in Indian badminton, 17-year-old Unnati Hooda delivered the performance of her career, defeating two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in the Round of 16 at the China Open Super 1000 tournament in Changzhou.
Match Summary: Hooda vs Sindhu
- Final Score: 21-16, 19-21, 21-13
- Duration: Over 60 minutes of high-intensity play
- Location: Changzhou, China – BWF Super 1000 Series
Hooda showcased nerves of steel and fierce net control, overpowering Sindhu in the opening game. Though Sindhu clawed her way back in the second, Hooda maintained composure to dominate the decider. The win places her firmly in the quarter-finals — the youngest Indian woman to achieve this feat at a Super 1000 event.
Quote of the Day
“This is definitely the biggest win of my career. I played point by point and stayed aggressive,” said Hooda after the match.
Why This Win Is Historic
- Marks Sindhu’s first international loss to an Indian player since 2018.
- Signals a potential generational shift in India’s women’s singles landscape.
- Establishes Hooda as a future contender in world badminton.
Sindhu’s Journey Ends Early
After beating Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki in the first round, Sindhu looked poised for a deep run. However, unforced errors and lack of rhythm in the decider cost her dearly. As she regroups, questions loom about her future dominance amid rising young talent.
What’s Next for Hooda?
With this morale-boosting win, Hooda heads into the quarter-finals with momentum. The badminton community now watches closely to see if the prodigy can extend her fairy-tale run further in Changzhou.
The Road Ahead at China Open 2025
- Next Match: Hooda to face a top-seeded Asian rival in the quarters
- Other Indians in action: Satwik-Chirag continue their doubles dominance
- Global stars like An Se-young and Wang Zhiyi have advanced smoothly
As Indian badminton experiences a changing of the guard, this match will be remembered as the day a 17-year-old lit the torch for the next generation.
Stay tuned to gpsc-ojas.com/news for more updates on India’s badminton journey at the China Open 2025.
