Unnati Hooda Shocks PV Sindhu at China Open 2025

Unnati Hooda's Stunning Victory

In a surprising turn of events, 17-year-old Unnati Hooda triumphed over two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu at the China Open 2025. Hailing from Chamaria village in Haryana, Unnati has long admired Sindhu, often imitating her signature smashes and aspiring to train alongside her. In the pre-quarterfinal match, Unnati secured her victory with scores of 21-19, 19-21, and 21-13, setting her up for a quarterfinal clash against Japan's Akane Yamaguchi.

Unnati's Journey in Badminton

Unnati Hooda's badminton journey began at the tender age of seven, and by 14, she was selected for India's Uber Cup team in 2022. Although she didn't compete, being part of the team alongside PV Sindhu was a dream realized. Her father played a crucial role in her development, even leaving his government job to support her ambitions at the Chhotu Ram Stadium Badminton Academy.

Meeting Her Idol

Unnati's first encounter with her idol, PV Sindhu, occurred at the JBC Cup in Delhi, where Sindhu awarded her a gold medal. This year, Unnati not only excelled in badminton but also completed her class 12 exams, further solidifying her position in the sport as she advances to the quarterfinals of the China Open.

A Rising Star in Badminton

At just 14, Unnati Hooda made headlines by winning the Odisha Open, becoming the youngest Indian to clinch a BWF Super 100 title. She also made history as the first Indian girl to reach the finals of the Asia Junior Championship (U17), earning a silver medal. In 2023, she added titles from the Abu Dhabi Masters and the India International Challenge to her accolades, propelling her into the top 100 rankings globally.