Badminton’s Rising Star Unnati Hooda on Pressure, Parallels, and Purpose

At just 19, Unnati Hooda has surged into the spotlight as one of India’s brightest rising stars in badminton. With her recent breakthrough performances in Super 500 and Super 750 events, she's no longer just another name on the circuit—she’s becoming a force in her own right. In an exclusive conversation, Unnati reflects on her journey, ambitions, and how she's handling the inevitable comparisons with Olympic silver-medallist P.V. Sindhu.

🏸 From Promise to Performance

Unnati grew up in Rohtak, Haryana—a region known for its sporting culture. She started playing badminton at age 8, encouraged by her parents and inspired by family friends who played at district level. "I fell in love with the sport the moment I picked up a racket," she says. With early success at national junior events, she earned a place at the top badminton academy in Hyderabad and began training under national-level coaches.

"I was that kid who didn’t know if I’d make it big," Unnati recalls. "But every win gave me the confidence to dream bigger." Her first big break came when she reached the quarterfinals of a junior international event at 14—enough to convince her that global competition could be within reach.

🎯 Carving Her Own Identity

With comments from fans and pundits drawing parallels to Sindhu, the pressure was inevitable. "People love to compare," Unnati notes with a shrug. "P.V. has done incredible things for Indian badminton. But I’m focused on being Unnati—the best version of myself."

Rather than chase another player’s shadow, she’s laying bricks on her own foundation. Her style is a blend of Sindhu’s calm aggression and her own creativity—especially in maneuvering and net play.

"I like to craft points differently," she explains. "I often try drop shots from unexpected positions—even mid-rally. It unnerves opponents, and I enjoy mixing things up."

🧠 Handling Pressure and Expectations

A young athlete on the rise inevitably faces pressure. Unnati admits she wakes up thinking about rankings, upcoming fixtures, and the attention that success brings. But she has methods to stay grounded:

• Routine: “I start my day with yoga and a 5-minute journal entry—writing down one thing I’m grateful for. It shifts my mind away from anxiety.”

• Team support: “My coaches and parents remind me that I’m not alone in this. If a match goes badly, they help me reflect rather than lament.”

• Micro-goals: “I break down tournaments into pieces—every match, every set, every rally. Focus on one thing at a time.”

It’s this mindset that helped her bounce back from defeats and vacillations at major events. "I’ve had slumps before," she admits, "but I learned to treat them as part of the process."

🌍 Adapting to Global Challenges

On tour, Unnati has faced a mix of seasoned Asian opponents and rising European players. She describes the adjustments needed as eye-opening. "In Asia, the game can be faster and more physical," she says. "In Europe, there’s more variation in tactics and deceptive play."

She recounts a recent night match in Germany where cold weather, a stiff shuttle, and a defensive opponent left her struggling early on. "I had to slow down, observe tendencies, and shift gears mentally. It wasn’t my best strokes day—but I found a way out."

Such adaptability is proving to be a strength on world tour. Coach feedback highlights her growing ability to switch between aggression and patience at will.

🏆 The First Taste of Glory

Her career highlight so far? Winning her first World Tour semifinal at a Super 300 event last year, beating a top‑20 opponent en route. "Standing on the medal dais, hearing ‘India, India’—I felt all the sacrifices finally paying off."

That result boosted her confidence ahead of bigger tournaments. Players around her have begun noticing her name, sending good wishes and even unsolicited tips. But Unnati considers each interaction thoughtfully. "I pick one takeaway per conversation," she shares. "Not suggestions, not compliments—just signals for growth."

🎽 Life Beyond the Court

Young though she is, Unnati strives for balance. When back in Hyderabad, she enjoys:

• Family time: “I binge a few days with my mother’s cooking—sarson ka saag, makki di roti, the works.”

• Music and movies: “I’m into old Bollywood songs lately, and I’ve watched both Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar and Rockford more than once.”

• Self-care: “One bi-weekly spa session, and I’m back to full mojo.”

Her off-court rituals help her recharge before returning to the rigors of training.

🧩 What Lies Ahead

Looking ahead, Unnati has clear targets for the next year:

1. Top 20 ranking — “I want to break in and stay consistently.”

2. Major breakthrough in Super 500+ events — “Quarterfinals are great, but I’m aiming for finals now.”

3. World Championships — “Make the cut, then fight for a medal.”

She also wants to mentor juniors from her home region—advocating for better coaching and facilities in Haryana. "I want other girls to believe they can go from Rohtak to the world stage," she says with quiet resolve.

🫶 A Message to Aspiring Athletes

As our conversation wraps, Unnati pauses and smiles at the camera, her composure poised yet warm.

She has this advice for young players: “Be brave, not perfect. It’s okay to lose, to fall, to doubt. But don’t stop walking. Every step builds your own journey.”

“I want fans to see me as Unnati,” she concludes. “Not the next Sindhu… but Unnati Hooda, with my own game, my own fire, writing my own story.”

Final Word

At a time when Indian badminton is producing more talent than ever, Unnati Hooda’s focus on individuality, resilience, and process sets her apart. She’s not chasing anyone’s legacy—she’s building her own.

Stay tuned: this is just the beginning of what promises to be a singular journey in a world of common comparisons.