In one of the most exciting moments for Indian badminton at the China Open Super 1000, 17-year-old Unnati Hooda scripted a memorable victory that captured both promise and poise beyond her years.
Facing world no. 29 and experienced campaigner Kirsty Gilmour from Scotland in the Round of 32, Unnati showed remarkable maturity and fighting spirit to win 21-11, 21-16 and book her place in the pre-quarterfinals, where she will now meet two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu.
The match itself was a showcase of what makes sport so thrilling and what makes Unnati such an exciting talent for Indian badminton. Starting as the underdog against the Commonwealth Games and European Games silver medallist, Unnati displayed neither nerves nor hesitation.
From the very first rallies, she controlled the pace, showing great footwork and shot selection. Her first game was almost flawless; she opened up the court, mixed quick pushes and drops, and forced errors from Gilmour to close it out comfortably at 21-11.
But it was in the second game that Unnati truly demonstrated why she is being hailed as one of India’s brightest young stars. From the tougher near side, where drift and visibility often make shot control harder, Unnati initially trailed 8-13.
At that stage, Gilmour’s experience seemed to be turning the match around; the Scot increased the pace and tried to break the rhythm of the teenager. Yet, instead of panicking, Unnati remained composed and made tactical adjustments. She slowed the rallies when needed, trusted her defense, and waited for the right openings to attack.
What followed was a splendid display of grit: she won 13 of the next 16 points, completely flipping the momentum. Her ability to stay calm under pressure, read Gilmour’s flat pushes, and place her own shots precisely into the corners made the difference. Closing the match 21-16, Unnati not only beat a higher-ranked opponent but also showed a mental fortitude rarely seen in players of her age.
At just 17, Unnati now becomes only the second women’s singles player to have won a match at a Super 1000 tournament before turning 18, after Korea’s An Se Young achieved that feat in 2019 at the same tournament.
It is a testament to the incredible strides she has made in her young career and places her firmly among the next generation of Indian players ready to challenge the world’s best.
This win is also significant because it came against a seasoned player like Gilmour, who has been a consistent performer on the world circuit and known for her relentless rallying and tactical gameplay. For Unnati to outlast and outthink her in straight games reflects not just talent, but also growing maturity and game sense.
The reward for her effort? A Round of 16 clash against none other than PV Sindhu, India’s most decorated active player. It will be a meeting of generations: Sindhu, who has been at the pinnacle of Indian badminton for nearly a decade, and Unnati, who represents the next wave.
Beyond rankings or experience, it is the style contrast that makes this upcoming match so intriguing: Sindhu’s power and big-match temperament against Unnati’s youthful energy and all-court game.
For Indian badminton fans, this is an occasion to celebrate an all-India battle at a Super 1000 event, something that underscores the depth and talent pool that continues to grow in women’s singles. For Unnati, it will also be a unique chance to test herself against a player she has likely grown up watching. Matches like this are where experience is gained, even in defeat, but given her fearless approach against Gilmour, Unnati will surely step onto court with belief.
Beyond the immediate excitement, Unnati’s run at the China Open 2025 points to something larger: the changing narrative of Indian badminton. Young players are no longer just making up numbers at the highest level; they are starting to believe they can win, even against established names. It is this confidence that makes results like today’s so important.
Looking at the bigger picture, this victory also gives Unnati crucial ranking points, which will help her climb from her current world no. 35 standing, and gain better draws at upcoming tournaments. But perhaps more importantly, it shows her that she can compete and win against players who have been on tour for years.
For now, all eyes turn to the Round of 16. Whether Unnati can challenge Sindhu and possibly even pull off another surprise remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that she has already given Indian fans a glimpse of a fearless new generation that is ready to take on the world.
As she walked off the court, her smile hinted at quiet confidence, and her performance spoke of a player who knows she belongs on this stage. Whatever happens next, the message from Unnati Hooda today was loud and clear: she is here, she is ready, and she’s just getting started. 🇮🇳🏸✨
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