Unnati Hooda and Kiran George Clinch Odisha Masters Titles

India enjoyed a successful outing at the Odisha Masters in Cuttack as Unnati Hooda and Kiran George claimed the women’s and men’s singles titles respectively. The BWF Super 100 tournament witnessed strong Indian performances alongside notable wins by foreign pairs in the doubles categories, underscoring the event’s competitive depth.

Unnati Hooda Dominates Women’s Singles Final

Top seed Unnati Hooda lifted the women’s singles crown after defeating Isharani Baruah in straight games. Hooda registered a composed 21-17, 21-10 victory in a final that lasted just over 30 minutes. After an even contest early in the first game, Hooda capitalised on her opponent’s errors to take control. In the second game, her calm temperament and precise court placement proved decisive as Baruah struggled to match the pace.

Third Super 100 Title for Hooda

The Odisha Masters triumph marked Hooda’s third BWF Super 100 title, adding to her previous successes, including the 2022 Odisha Masters. It was also her only title of the year, capping an impressive season in which she reached the semifinals of the Taipei Open and Hylo Open. Her standout achievement came at the China Open, where she defeated PV Sindhu to become the youngest Indian woman to reach a Super 1000 quarterfinal.

Kiran George Secures Men’s Singles Crown

In the men’s singles final, second seed Kiran George emerged victorious after a hard-fought three-game match against Indonesia’s Muhamad Yusuf. George won 21-14, 13-21, 21-16 in a contest lasting just over an hour. After conceding the second game, he raised his intensity in the decider, stringing together crucial points to seal the title with authority.

What to Note for Exams?

• The Odisha Masters is part of the BWF Super 100 tournament series.
• Unnati Hooda has won three BWF Super 100 titles in her career.
• Kiran George is a regular contender on the BWF international circuit.
• The tournament was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Cuttack.

Doubles Titles Shared by Indonesia and Bulgaria

Indonesia and Bulgaria dominated the doubles events at the tournament. Indonesians Marwan Faza and Aisyah Pranata won the mixed doubles title, while compatriots Ali Faathir Rayhan and Devin Artha Wahyudi claimed the men’s doubles crown. In women’s doubles, Bulgaria’s Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva secured the title with a straight-games victory over the Malaysian pair.