Unnati Hooda becomes the youngest Indian to clinch the Odisha Open BWF World Tour Super 100 Tournament

Unnati Hooda resumed her winning streak on Sunday, defeating Smit Toshniwal in the women's singles final of the Odisha Open 2022 to become the youngest Indian to claim a Super 100 tournament. She had stunned Indian Open finalist Malvika Bansod to reach the final.

The 14-year-old won all of her bouts decisively against far higher-ranked opponents. Hence, demonstrating that her success, which even PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal could not attain at her age, was no aberration.

Furthermore, Unnati Hooda gave Toshniwal an early lead in the first game. However, as she got her stride, she engaged her opponent in lengthier rallies and outsmarted her with half smashes. Unnati was the most dominant figure in the second game. She raced to a 17-4 lead before winning by 21-11.

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In the champion's words

"I am still not able to believe it. Every player I played against were senior in age, Some of them were really very good too, much powerful and stronger than me. They were all higher-ranked players. I just gave my best and had a dream tournament and gained a lot of experience playing against them. I never expected to win the tournament and just played my game. I don't pay too much attention in the result of the match but focus on the process, giving my best in each point. It paid off," Hooda exclaimed in joy.

Nevertheless, Unnati, who is currently ranked 418th, began playing badminton when she was six years old. She participated in a variety of sports, including badminton, football, and basketball. "I regularly play football and basketball as well. These three are my main sports and I like them all. But yes, my father took me to a badminton centre in Rohtak. He himself is a badminton player. I started practising seriously at the age of eight. I dream of competing at the Olympics and win medals like Sindhu didi and Saina didi".

Unnati had previously stunned Malvika Bansood, the World No. 67. Earlier, who had upset Saina Nehwal in the India Open. Hooda defeated her in the semi-finals after defeating Samiya Imad Farooqi in the quarter-finals. Moreover, with this triumph by her side, Unnati becomes the youngest Indian to claim a Super 100 tournament.

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