In a thrilling display of skill, resilience, and determination, Unnati Hooda has propelled herself into the finals of the Singapore International Challenge (IC) 2025, igniting excitement among badminton fans across the nation.
The Indian ace fought valiantly in a nail-biting three-set match, recording a scoreline of 18-21, 21-19, 22-20 against Vietnam’s Vu Thrang.
This hard-fought victory not only marks another milestone in her promising career but also reinforces her status as one of Indias rising stars in womens badminton.
The match against Vu Thrang was a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite dropping the first set 18-21, Hooda’s response in the second set was a masterclass in resilience.
She fought back to clinch the set 21-19, showcasing her ability to adjust tactics under pressure. The third set was an intense affair, with both players pushing each other to the limits. In a gripping decider, Hooda emerged victorious 22-20, demonstrating not only technical brilliance but also the mental fortitude necessary to prevail in high-stakes situations.
Adding to the intrigue of the match is Vu Thrang’s noteworthy pedigree. For those who may not know, Vu Thi Trang is the wife of 2013 World Championship bronze medalist Nguyen Tien Minh. Her presence on the court, coupled with her impressive run having defeated the second seed Chaiwan in the quarterfinals underscores the high level of competition in the tournament.
Prior to this electrifying final, Unnati Hooda had already set the tone at the tournament. In the Round of 16 at the SBH Singapore International Challenge 2025, she defeated Saena Kawakami with a convincing 21-19, 21-15 win.
This commanding performance paved the way for her subsequent triumph over Vu Thrang and highlighted her consistent form throughout the competition.
Unnati’s achievements in Singapore are built on a solid foundation of past successes. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the U-17 Womens Singles final at the Badminton Asia Junior Championships a landmark moment that heralded a new era for Indian badminton.
That breakthrough not only set her on the path to international recognition but also inspired a generation of young Indian shuttlers to dream big.
Her contributions extend beyond individual accolades. Unnati has played a pivotal role in team events as well, leading Haryana to gold in the Womens Badminton Team event at the 38th National Games.
Alongside her, teammates Rounak Chouhan from Chhattisgarh and Sanskar Saraswat from Rajasthan secured bronze medals in the Mens Badminton Team event. These victories highlight the collective strength and rising potential of Indian badminton on both national and international stages.
Looking ahead, Unnati Hooda now gears up to face Indonesia’s Ruzana in the finals of the Singapore IC 2025. With her current form and unwavering spirit, the Indian shuttler is poised to further elevate her game and possibly add another illustrious title to her growing list of achievements.
Her journey continues to inspire and invigorate the world of Indian badminton, promising many more exciting chapters in the future.
