India’s teenage sensation Unnati Hooda will once again carry the nation’s singles hopes as she takes on World No. 9 Tomoka Miyazaki in the Round of 16 at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 on Thursday, April 9, at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center in China.
Hooda remains the lone Indian in the singles draw after early exits from top stars, including PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen, whose campaigns ended prematurely in the round of 16.
Both players are among the brightest young talents in badminton. Hooda, 18, and Miyazaki, 19, have been making waves on the international circuit as of late.
🚨 UNNATI HOODA STUNS WORLD NO.11
India’s Unnati defeated #11 Supanida Katethong 🇹🇭 23-25 , 21-8 , 21-18 in R1 of BAC 2026
WELL DONE! ✨ pic.twitter.com/SWzc2c7SCm
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) April 8, 2026
Head-to-head history, however, favours the Japanese shuttler. Miyazaki defeated Hooda in both their previous meetings, at the 2025 Taipei Open semifinals (21-19, 21-11), and earlier at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships (21-13, 21-13).
Despite that, current form offers hope for the Indian. Hooda is coming on the back of a stunning victory over world no.11 Supanida Katethong with the score of 23-25 , 21-8 , 21-18 and registered a solid 6–2 win-loss record this year and is currently ranked World No. 27. Miyazaki, meanwhile, holds an 11–6 record in 2026.
Unnati Hooda vs Tomoka Miyazaki Live Streaming Details:
When is the Unnati Hooda vs Tomoka Miyazaki, Badminton Asia Championships 2026 Round of 16 Match?
The match will be held on April 9, Thursday at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center not before 2:30 PM IST.
Where to watch the Unnati Hooda vs Tomoka Miyazaki, Badminton Asia Championships 2026 Round of 16 Match?
The match will be live streamed on me watch, here, which is reportedly the official streaming partner of Badminton Asia. However, the official streaming details for India, Japan, China, UK and the rest of the world are not yet confirmed by Badminton Asia.
