The Syed Modi International 2025 has turned into a showcase of India’s emerging badminton generation, with Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and the mixed doubles pair of Hariharan/Treesa Jolly all surging into the semifinals in Lucknow.
Across categories, Indian athletes produced spirited and high-quality performances, setting up an exciting Super 300 semifinal day for home fans.
For India, the spotlight once again falls on women’s singles, where two teenagers Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma have powered their way into the last four. Both have taken different routes to the semifinals, but their grit and composure underline the depth of talent rising within Indian badminton.
Unnati Hooda Returns to the Semifinal Stage
Last year’s semifinalist Unnati Hooda continued her strong affinity with the Syed Modi tournament, defeating Rakshita in a tightly contested quarterfinal. The young shuttler took the opening game 21–15, stumbled in the second with a 13–21 loss, but recovered strongly in the decider to claim a 21–16 victory.
The win not only secures her spot in the semifinals but also allows her to successfully defend her points from the previous edition a crucial step in her ranking progression. Unnati’s ability to stay composed in long rallies and maintain tactical clarity in the third game stood out, especially as Rakshita attempted to extend exchanges and disrupt her rhythm.
Having fallen short in the semifinals last year, Unnati will be keen to take the next step this time. Standing in her way will be Turkey’s Neslihan Arın, a tricky opponent known for her physicality and unpredictable shot selection. If Unnati executes her aggressive down-the-line play and maintains her court coverage, she has a strong chance of advancing to her first final at this event.
Tanvi Sharma Continues Her Breakthrough Week
If there is one name that has captured the imagination of fans this week, it is Tanvi Sharma. Her surge into the semifinals adds another chapter to a dream run that has included headline-making victories and remarkable comebacks.
Tanvi entered the quarterfinals fresh off a sensational upset over former world champion Nozomi Okuhara, a win that instantly shifted attention to the 17-year-old’s potential on the international stage. That momentum carried into her quarterfinal clash against Hong Kong’s Lo Sin Yan Happy, where she delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament.
Taking the first game 21–13, Tanvi found herself in deep trouble in the second, trailing 13–18. What followed was a display of resilience rarely seen in players of her age. She stitched together a flurry of points through precise flat pushes, well-timed attacking clears, and courageous net play, turning the game around to win 21–19 and seal the match in straight games.
The win marks her second consecutive S300+ BWF World Tour semifinal, achieved in just her second appearance at this level. It also reinforces her growing reputation as a big-match player capable of handling pressure.
In the semifinals, Tanvi will face Japan’s Hina Akechi, a technically disciplined opponent who thrives in rallying exchanges. Tanvi’s ability to accelerate the pace, dictate with her forehand from the backcourt, and maintain the fearlessness she showed in her comeback will be crucial.
Mixed Doubles: Hariharan/Treesa Jolly Keep India in Contention
India’s mixed doubles challenge also received a boost as Hariharan and Treesa Jolly marched into the semifinals with a straightforward 21–18, 21–14 win over Andika/Nozomi of Australia. The pair displayed solid synergy, with Treesa’s net interceptions and Hariharan’s steep smashes giving them control throughout the match.
They now await opponents from the Indonesia/Malaysia pairing in the semifinal—a contest that will likely demand a higher level of defensive organization and mid-court discipline. With Treesa’s experience on the women’s doubles circuit and Hariharan’s attacking instinct, the duo has a genuine chance of extending India’s medal hopes.
With two Indian women’s singles players and a mixed doubles pair in the semifinals, the Syed Modi International 2025 promises a thrilling Saturday for Indian fans. The women’s singles, in particular, could define the next wave of Indian badminton, with Tanvi Sharma vs. Hina Akechi and Unnati Hooda vs. Neslihan Arın lined up as marquee clashes.
Both Tanvi and Unnati have shown maturity beyond their years, and their presence in the last four reflects the steady rise of India’s women’s singles ecosystem. Whether one or both can break through to the final will be the central storyline of the tournament’s closing stages.
For now, India celebrates a day of commanding victories, memorable comebacks, and growing belief as the home stars continue to shine in Lucknow.
