Unnati Hooda: “I Don’t Want to Be the Next Sindhu, I Want to Be the First Unnati”

At 17, India’s rising badminton star is making headlines with maturity beyond her years—choosing growth over pressure, grit over hype, and her own identity over comparisons.

She’s young, fearless, and already shaking up India’s badminton hierarchy. Unnati Hooda, currently ranked No. 3 among Indian women shuttlers, is fast becoming one of the most talked-about names in the sport. But as expectations build and comparisons with Olympic medalist PV Sindhu inevitably surface, Unnati’s clarity stands out: “I don’t take that pressure. I don’t want to become the next Sindhu. I want to become Unnati.”

In a world obsessed with legacy and succession, that one statement reveals everything about the 17-year-old’s mindset—calm, focused, and self-aware. She’s aware of the weight of her own potential, but she’s determined to let her racquet do the talking, not public opinion.

Quiet Confidence, Loud Intent

Unnati’s recent performances have underlined her growing confidence. Against world-class opponents like China’s Wang Zhiyi and Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki, she’s not just competing—she’s threatening to win. Her match against Miyazaki in Taipei, where she led 18-15 before narrowly losing, showed that the gap is shrinking fast.

Her coach and team have noticed the transformation—not just in her gameplay, but in how she carries herself. “Earlier, she was all about smashing. Now, she’s thinking, analyzing, waiting,” says a member of her support staff.

Building Strength, Inside and Out

A significant part of Unnati’s growth has come from what she calls her “power phase.” With a renewed focus on strength training, dietary discipline, and sports psychology, the teenager is reshaping her body and mind to handle the rigours of the international circuit.

“I’ve started lifting weights, eating better, sleeping right. It’s all new for me, but it’s helping. I feel stronger in the third game now,” she says.

But it’s not just muscles she’s building—it’s patience. Known for her aggressive style, Unnati is learning to pace her matches, to choose moments, to finish smarter.

Childhood Roots, Future Goals

Hailing from Rohtak, Haryana, Unnati started playing at age eight. Her father, who used to play badminton recreationally, spotted her spark early and pushed her toward professional coaching. From playing on dusty streets to now brushing shoulders with world-ranked athletes, her journey has been rapid—but grounded.

Despite her growing fame, Unnati remains refreshingly normal. She unwinds with murder mysteries, adores “The Silent Patient,” and avoids social media distractions. “I like thrillers—keeps my mind sharp,” she laughs.

Her immediate dream? To one day defeat PV Sindhu on court. Not out of rivalry, but out of respect. “I admire her. Playing and beating her would be a dream. But I know I have to work a lot harder.”

Charting Her Own Destiny

In an Indian sporting culture that often rushes to crown the “next big thing,” Unnati Hooda’s voice is a rare one. She isn’t in a hurry to be anyone else. She’s here to be herself—and in doing so, she might just change the conversation.

She doesn’t want comparisons. She wants competition. She doesn’t want to copy greatness. She wants to build her own.

And if the last year is any sign, she’s well on her way.

Please follow and like us: