Raring to go, sky isthe limit for Unnati

Lucknow: Young, energetic and raring to go, 16-year-old shuttler Unnati Hooda was in top form when she stunned Aakarshi Kashyap 15-21 21-19 21-18 to advance to the second round of the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships on Wednesday.

“It was a tough fight today and I snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at the last moment. I am enjoying this moment,” Unnati told TOI after her victory.

“In the Indian circuit, all players perform very well. One cannot take any match lightly. I am trying hard to perform well work on my weaknesses and mistakes. If I overcome my weaknesses early, it will help in future,” she said.

Unnati started playing badminton when she was just seven.

“I was not sure how long my love for badminton would last. After I played a few tournaments at the state level, the love for the game turned into a passion,” she said.

Asked about her future plans, she said: “I don’t think much about my future goals because you never know what will happen next. Right now, I am thinking about how I can give my best in this tournament. I prefer to plans for tournaments one at a time.”

She said that her parents and grandparents supported her a lot.

“I got my initial training under coach Parvesh Kadian at Chhotu Ram Stadium in Rohtak which is known as the wrestling nursery where Olympic medalists like Sakshi Malik were groomed. If one has passion, it hardly matters if the ground is for boxers, wrestlers or badminton players,” she added.

“Currently, I am training under my father Upkar Hooda and we have our own badminton academy which has two courts. My younger brother Jayvardhan Hooda is also a badminton player who recently won the doubles in Under-13 nationals,” Unnati said.

Recently, Unnati beat Samiya Imad Farooqui in the women’s singles final at Abu Dhabi Masters and claimed her second BWF Super 100 title.

“Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu inspire me a lot,” she said.