Indian hopes dim as Hooda exits China Masters early

The India contingent faced an early setback at the China Masters when 18‑year‑old Unnati Hooda fell in the opening round to South Korea’s Kim Ga‑un, the world’s 12th‑ranked player. Kim’s 21‑10, 21‑18 win wrapped up the match in under forty minutes.

Kim’s aggressive opening spell gave her a 4‑0 start and an 11‑3 lead before the interval, leaving Hooda little room to maneuver. In the second game, Hooda briefly surged ahead 3‑0, but Kim steadied her play, pulling ahead 7‑5 and later sealing the set after a tight finish at 20‑18.

Hooda’s recent appearance at the BWF World Championships, where she advanced to the second round, highlighted her rising status in Indian badminton. Despite the loss, her participation on the world stage underscores the growing depth of India’s young talent pool.