Did Unnati Hooda and Kiran George Triumph at Odisha Masters 2025?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Unnati Hooda and Kiran George emerged victorious in their respective singles categories.
- The tournament showcased high-level competition, particularly in the men's singles final.
- Indonesia demonstrated strength in the mixed doubles category.
- Bulgaria's top seeds excelled in women's doubles.
- The Odisha Masters 2025 highlighted the growing popularity of badminton in India.
Cuttack, Dec 14 (NationPress) The final day of the Odisha Masters 2025, a BWF World Tour Super 100 event, saw the top seeds shine as Unnati Hooda and Kiran George secured the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.
In the women’s singles showdown, top seed Hooda delivered a stellar performance, overcoming her fellow countrywoman Isharani Baruah with scores of 21-17, 21-10 in a match that lasted just over thirty minutes. Hooda dominated the rallies from the start, preventing Baruah from gaining the momentum that had characterized her impressive journey to the finals. Despite the defeat, Baruah concluded a remarkable week by earning a well-deserved silver medal after a series of remarkable performances.
The men’s singles final featured a thrilling contest, with second seed George edging out Indonesia’s Muhamad Yusuf in a challenging three-game battle. George claimed the first game with a score of 21-14, but Yusuf fought back to equalize the match. Demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen, George seized the final game 21-16, clinching the title after an hour on the court.
Indonesia also celebrated victory in the mixed doubles category, where Marwan Faza/Aisyah Pranata triumphed over compatriots Dejan Ferdinansyah/Bernadine Wardana with scores of 21-15, 21-10. In the women’s doubles, Bulgaria’s top seeds Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva defeated Malaysia’s Ong Xin Yee/Carmen Ting 21-19, 21-14. The men’s doubles title was claimed by Indonesia’s Ali Faathir Rayhan/Devin Artha Wahyudi, who came from behind to win against Malaysia’s Khang Khai Xing/Aaron Tai with scores of 15-21, 21-12, 21-16.