BWF World Championships 2026: Unnati Hooda defeated Myanmar's Thet Htar Thuzar 22-20, 21-16 in New Delhi to advance to the women's singles Round of 32 on her World Championships debut.

Indian teenager Unnati Hooda began her BWF World Championships 2026 campaign with a composed straight-games victory over Myanmar's Thet Htar Thuzar at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Arena in New Delhi. The 18-year-old won the women's singles Round of 64 clash 22-20, 21-16 to book her place in the second round.

Hooda had to fight hard for the opening game after falling behind midway through the contest. She recovered at the crucial stage, saved a game point and closed out the game 22-20. She then reduced her unforced errors and controlled the second game to complete the win in straight games.

Hooda Shows Composure

The opening game tested Hooda's patience as Thuzar matched her rally for rally. The Myanmar player established a 16-13 lead, putting the Indian youngster under pressure.

Hooda responded by tightening her game and staying patient during the closing exchanges. She eventually moved ahead and secured the game 22-20 after saving a game point.

Second Game Under Control

The second game followed a different pattern. Hooda improved her shot selection and reduced the errors that had allowed Thuzar to remain competitive earlier.

The Indian quickly established control and maintained her advantage through the middle and final stages. She eventually wrapped up the game 21-16, completing a 40-minute victory.

Debut Ends With Win

The victory carries added significance because this is Hooda's debut at the BWF World Championships. The 18-year-old entered the tournament as one of India's emerging women's singles players and immediately handled the pressure of playing at home.

The result also ensured that she joined other Indian winners from the second day of the championships, including Lakshya Sen and the Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand women's doubles pair.

Patience Makes Difference

Hooda's ability to remain composed in the first game proved decisive. Rather than attempting to force winners when Thuzar led, she waited for opportunities and increased the pressure towards the end of the game.

After the match, Hooda explained that she initially focused on understanding the court conditions and drift. She said her patience during the final points helped her turn the opening game in her favour.

Michelle Li Awaits

Hooda's reward for the opening-round victory is a second-round meeting with 13th seed Michelle Li of Canada. Li also needed extra points in her opening game before defeating Chinese Taipei's Chiu Pin-Chian 22-20, 21-12.

The Canadian therefore enters the next round with experience and a strong ranking, giving Hooda a significantly tougher challenge.

The Indian will need to reproduce the patience she showed against Thuzar while improving her start to the match. A fast beginning could be particularly important against an experienced opponent such as Li.

India's Campaign Builds

Hooda's victory adds to an encouraging day for the Indian contingent at the home World Championships. Lakshya Sen also progressed after recovering from a game down against Austria's Collins Valentine Filimon, while Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand stunned the 16th-seeded American pair of Lauren Lam and Allison Lee.

India are hosting the World Championships in New Delhi from 17 to 23 August, with the tournament bringing the world's leading badminton players together for the season's biggest individual event.

Bigger Test Next

For Hooda, the victory over Thet Htar Thuzar is an important first step at the senior World Championships. She now faces a more experienced opponent and a higher-ranked challenge in Michelle Li.

The BWF World Championships 2026 campaign has already given Unnati Hooda a winning start, and her next match will provide a clearer test of how far the young Indian can go on the biggest stage of her career.