Unnati Hooda interview: ‘It's my own distinct journey. I'm not taking pressure to be the next Sindhu'

Haryana teenager Unnati Hooda has moved to India's No 3 spot in women's singles, ranked No 37 behind PV Sindhu and Malvika Bansod. Much is expected of the 17-year-old from Rohtak, with a spunky attacking style, and nonchalance about the reputation of opponents, which was in evidence when she took a set off World No 2 Wang Zhi Yi at the Indonesia Open.
In an interaction with The Indian Express, Hooda talks about how momentums flip when playing the Top 10, a possible timeline for when she could beat PV Sindhu, the (non) pressure of comparisons with Saina Nehwal, and her love for reading psycho-thrillers.
Excerpts :
What's it like to play a Top 10 opponent – you led Word No 6 Tomoka Miyazaki 18-15 and took a set off No 2 Wang Zhi Yi?
Unnati Hooda: It's different because there's no pressure. But you have to adjust to conditions, change pace, and counter them strategically, pushing me into corners. Against Tomoka, I led 18-15 in Taipei semis, but she suddenly changed her game. It had been defensive until then, but the pace went up and I made a mistake on a midcourt shuttle which I wouldn't otherwise. Against Wang Zhi Yi, I took points on a streak and lost them on a streak. I need patience in trying to keep control over them. My footwork has never been perfect, I'm trying to change it gradually.
Is it a strength/power issue?
Unnati Hooda: I've got a Strength & Conditioning trainer at Rohtak thanks to Reliance Foundation, so my drills go beyond running and agility now. Gym training plays a huge role, but I only started on weights six months ago so I'm slowly building strength which will improve my performance. Playing power shots needs endurance. I can't be running impatiently and need to maintain an attacking style in third set. My nutrition routines are changing with more protein, due to experts. I'm a vegetarian and have relied on milk, chanaa, roti, subji (vegetable), paneer. We are also working on recovery. And I'm working with a psychologist to improve my mindset on the last 2-3 points.
How did badminton happen?
Unnati Hooda: Started playing in the streets of my neighbourhood at eight, got enrolled at an academy and was district champion by 10. My interest was in studies, reading, dancing, and drawing, so badminton was the only sport I tried. My father (Upkar Hooda) was inclined but never got the same opportunities, so he stopped playing. I come from a family of PhDs and never had to be scolded to do homework. I still play doubles because it helps my service and midcourt game and quick changes from defence to offence. For the moment I'm on the right track at Rohtak, but maybe I will think of training at bigger academies in the future.
Will you be at the World Juniors hosted by India in 2026?
Unnati Hooda: It will be my last year. I would love to compete but there are many good players so I'll have to see if I win trials. There's good competition with Anmol (Kharb), Rakshitha Sree, Devika (Sihag) and Tanvi (Sharma). We are all upcoming.
Who are your role models?
Unnati Hooda: Not one specifically. I like Saina for her retrieval, Sindhu for her aggression and follow up, An Se-young for her fighting spirit, Tai Tzu-ying for deception, and Ratchanok Intanon for her net game quality.
Is there pressure to match Saina, Sindhu?
Unnati Hooda: I try to keep it same whether it's playing No 1 or No 2. Stick to the plan. I'm not taking pressure to be the next Sindhu. It's my own distinct journey. I definitely need to achieve what they did, but I'm aware it will be a difficult journey. But uniquely mine.
How soon do you think you can beat Sindhu?
Unnati Hooda: (LAUGHS) That's a trick question. It might be a tricky question. We are competing not just against Sindhu, but the whole world. We practice for every match. At Syed Modi, I faced her and she was quite attacking. You got to have a very good defense to pick her smashes. But there is a chance. There are areas. I need to be strategically at my best. But can't put a timeline.
You have a couple of Super100 titles and semis at Super 300 (Taiwan, last month). Any haunting losses?
Unnati Hooda: Losing to Tomoka after that 18-15 lead hurts. But also at German Open, in quarters against Riko Gunji of Japan (Hooda lost 21-15, 23-25, 22-24 after being 18-16 up in the second), the match went beyond 1 hour 20 minutes (84 mins), and I had a chance on one point which keeps playing in my mind. I'm working on not repeating mistakes.
What's life like besides badminton?
Unnati Hooda: I watch some movies. But I love reading biographies and thrillers that take my mind off badminton. These days I'm reading a psycho thriller and murder mystery, Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.

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