Teen shuttlers Anmol, Unnati look to make the big transition

There is a tenacity in Anmol Kharb and Unnati Hooda that makes them special. At the National Games here, the teenage shuttlers are shouldering the responsibility of Haryana, brimming with confidence and energy.

- Avishek Roy

DEHRADUN: There is a tenacity in Anmol Kharb and Unnati Hooda that makes them special. At the National Games here, the teenage shuttlers are shouldering the responsibility of Haryana, brimming with confidence and energy.

Riding on their stellar performances, Haryana defeated Uttarakhand to win gold in the women's badminton team championship.

Competing in back-to-back matches in the best-of-five tie, they also combined in doubles -- Anmol and Unnati showed little signs of fatigue. "When you are playing for Haryana, it just gives that extra push to perform and win," says Unnati, 17. "We have had some very tough matches. It's very competitive, and it will help me come out strong."

The two teenage prodigies are India's biggest hopes in this Olympic cycle to establish themselves in the international circuit. Making the transition at the top will not be easy, though the tag of India's next Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu keeps chasing them.