Eighteen-year-old Unnati Hooda closed out her 2025 season on a high, clinching the women’s singles title at the Odisha Masters 2025 with a commanding straight-games victory over compatriot Isharani Baruah in an all-Indian final.
Hooda won 21-17, 21-10, underlining her growing stature on the BWF Tour and confirming her rise as one of India’s most promising young shuttlers.
The triumph marked Unnati Hooda’s third BWF Super 100 title, with two of those coming at the Odisha Masters, a tournament that has increasingly become a happy hunting ground for the teenager. More significantly, the title win propels Hooda to a career-high World Ranking of 23, an important milestone as she looks to establish herself consistently at higher-tier international events.
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Hooda’s campaign at the Odisha Masters was a study in consistency and control. From the early rounds to the final, she dictated play with a blend of sharp attacking intent and improved patience in rallies. In the Round of 32, Hooda eased past Prakriti Bharath in straight games, winning 21-12, 21-18. The opening match served as a solid foundation, allowing Hooda to settle into tournament rhythm without being stretched excessively.
The Round of 16 saw her face Thailand’s Tidapron Kleebyeesun, and once again Hooda was largely untroubled. A 21-7, 21-14 win reflected her superiority in pace and shot placement, particularly her ability to finish rallies early when opportunities presented themselves.
The first real test came in the quarterfinals, where Hooda took on fellow Indian Anupama Upadhyaya. In a closely fought contest, Hooda held her nerve in both games to edge through 21-16, 21-15. It was a match that highlighted her improved temperament, especially in pressure situations against familiar domestic rivals.
Statement Semifinal Against Tasnim Mir
The semifinal clash against Tasnim Mir was arguably the defining match of Hooda’s tournament. After dropping the opening game 18-21, Hooda regrouped impressively. She tightened her defense, reduced unforced errors, and began controlling the mid-court exchanges.
Winning the next two games 21-16, 21-16, Hooda showcased her adaptability — an area that has shown marked improvement over the last year. The comeback win not only secured her place in the final but also demonstrated her growing maturity in handling momentum shifts during matches.
One-Sided Final Against Isharani Baruah
The final pitted Hooda against Isharani Baruah, who had also enjoyed an impressive run through the draw. However, on the day, Hooda proved a step ahead in almost every department. The opening game was competitive, with Baruah matching Hooda for long stretches. But Hooda’s ability to accelerate at crucial moments saw her take the first game 21-17. From there, the match tilted decisively in her favour. Hooda dominated the second game 21-10, using her attacking clears and sharp net play to keep Baruah under constant pressure.
The straight-games win underlined Hooda’s authority and her readiness to convert opportunities when they arise — a hallmark of players making the transition from promising junior to dependable senior competitor.
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For Unnati Hooda, the Odisha Masters title is more than just another trophy. At 18 years of age, winning three Super 100 titles already places her among the most successful Indian teenagers on the BWF circuit in recent years. Two titles at the same venue also point to her comfort and confidence in handling tournament expectations.
Climbing to World No. 23 is another crucial outcome. The ranking opens doors to higher-level tournaments, stronger draws, and greater exposure all essential ingredients for long-term growth on the international stage.
A Positive Sign for Indian Women’s Singles
The all-Indian final was also a positive reflection of the depth in Indian women’s singles. Isharani Baruah, the runner-up, can take encouragement from her campaign, having reached a Super 100 final through disciplined and consistent performances. As Indian badminton continues to navigate a transitional phase in women’s singles, performances like these underline the emergence of a new generation ready to shoulder responsibility.
For Unnati Hooda, the Odisha Masters 2025 may well be remembered as a turning point a tournament that confirmed her arrival not just as a talented prospect, but as a genuine contender on the international circuit.
