Unnati Hooda claims Odisha Masters title, eyes Olympic future
Teen badminton standout Unnati Hooda lifted the Odisha Masters 2025 women’s singles title in Cuttack on December 14, beating fellow Indian Isharani Baruah 21–17, 21–10 in the final. The win is another key checkpoint in the 17-year-old’s build-up toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, further cementing her reputation as one of the country’s most promising young players.
Hooda set the tone early in the final, using sharp placements and quick footwork to edge a competitive opening game before taking full control in the second. After surviving a tougher semifinal a day earlier, she showed maturity beyond her age by cutting down unforced errors and dictating rallies from the backcourt. The win also made her the first Indian player to lift the Odisha Masters title twice, having previously triumphed there in 2022.
“This tournament showed how much she has grown mentally,” said her coach Pravesh Kadian, stressing that Unnati handled pressure situations far better than in past seasons. “She stayed patient, trusted her game plan and executed it almost perfectly in the final,” he told reporters.
Her father Upkar Hooda underlined the broader importance of the result, especially following her recent return from injury. “This title gives her confidence and momentum,” he said. “Every such win brings her one step closer to the bigger dream of competing at the Olympics.”
Unnati’s journey has been remarkable for her age. She first made headlines as the youngest Super 100 champion on the BWF circuit and has continued to progress steadily on the international tour. Alongside her sporting success, she has also balanced academics, achieving over 90 percent in her Class 12 examinations, a rare feat for an athlete competing at elite level.
With this Odisha Masters triumph adding valuable ranking points and experience, Hooda’s focus now shifts to maintaining consistency on the global stage. If her current trajectory continues, the teenager from Haryana looks well on course to become a key figure in India’s Olympic badminton ambitions.