Unnati Hooda reveals how 2022 Odisha masters win opened doors for her to compete in international tournaments
She stayed on course of defending her title with a round of 16 win over Ashmita Chaliha.
Unnati Hooda, women’s singles defending champion from last edition, who has been making waves in the badminton circuit is on a roll in the ongoing edition of the Odisha Masters 2023, being held at the JN Indoor Stadium in Cuttack.
The 16-year-old sensation, who hails from Rohtak, Haryana, won the women’s singles event at the Odisha Masters 2022, a moment she describes as life-changing. She says, “Odisha Masters is very close to my heart. After winning last year, the door was open for me to participate in international tournaments. Odisha has been very lucky for me. It feels great to come back here as I feel it is my second home.”
Unnati, who is currently ranked 67, is in phenomenal form as she is outplaying her opponents with different variations in her shots. In her Round of 32 match, she beat Uganda’s Husina Kobugabe with a score of 21-10 and 21-8. In the round of 16 match, she beat Ashmita Chaliha with a score of 21-18 and 21-16 to secure her place in the quarterfinals.
Indian Sports Live Coverage on Khel Now
- India vs USA Live Updates: Women’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024
- Malaysia Open 2024: Satwik-Chirag creates history, becomes first Indian to reach final
- Rohan Bopanna kickstarts the 2024 season with runner-up finish at Adelaide International
- Asian Olympics Qualifiers 2024: Vijayveer Sidhu secures India’s 17th shooting quota
- Australian Open 2024: Sumit Nagal becomes first Indian to enter singles main draw of a Grand Slam since 2021
- Aman Sehrawat clinches gold in 57kg freestyle at Zagreb Open Ranking Series 2024
- List of Indian athletes to have secured qualification for Paris Olympics 2024
Unnati went on to talk about the facilities and her experience of playing in Odisha and stressed on the importance of such international events for budding players. She expressed, “I am impressed with the facilities provided to all the players here. From world-class courts to all other arrangements for the players, the tournament organizers have done a good job keeping the smallest of details in mind.”
“With India hosting such a big tournament, it is a platform for so many players including us to compete against the best in the world. We have players from 30 countries here, so it is good for the budding players to learn from them and inculcate the same in their game,” she added.
In 2023, Unnati Hooda defeated compatriot Samiya Imad Farooqui 21-16 and 22-20 in the 2023 Abu Dhabi Masters finals and won her second BWF World Tour Title. She then won the India International Challenge by beating compatriot Tasnim Mir in straight games. She was also part of India’s 2022 Uber Cup team.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
- BWF Korea Masters 2024: Live streaming, TV channel, where and how to watch?
- BWF Hylo Open: Full list of title winners
- BWF Hylo Open 2024: Updated Schedule, fixtures, results & live streaming details
- Which Indian players can qualify for BWF World Tour Finals 2024?
- Full list of players who have qualified for BWF World Tour Finals 2024
- BWF Hylo Open 2024: Updated Schedule, fixtures, results & live streaming details
- Which Indian players can qualify for BWF World Tour Finals 2024?
- Full list of players who have qualified for BWF World Tour Finals 2024
- Indian Sports Calendar November 2024: Hockey ACT, FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, ATP Finals, India's tour of South Africa and more
- BWF Hylo Open 2024: Live streaming, TV channel, where and how to watch?