Ashmita Chaliha scripts history, clinches maiden BWF World Tour crown at Korea Masters 2026

In a series of historic events, Indian shuttler Ashmita Chaliha achieved a big milestone in her career on Sunday, August 9, winning her maiden BWF World Tour crown at the Korea Masters. Chaliha had to fight her way back into the women's singles final after falling behind China's Han Qian Xi before making an impressive comeback to clinch the title.

Big feat for Ashmita Chaliha

The 26-year-old Indian star recovered brilliantly after losing the opening game against the fourth-seeded Chinese opponent. The Guwahati-born Chaliha turned the clash by winning the next two games to 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 victory in 53 minutes.

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Chaliha, ranked 50th in the world, found herself 9-11 behind at the interval of the deciding game before making a remarkable finish. Taking advantage of the conditions after changing ends, the Indian displayed a dominating approach in the closing stages by winning 12 of the final  15 points to complete her comeback and claim the title.

Strong comeback from injury

Since making a comeback in May after spending three months on the sidelines because of an injury, Chaliha has found her rhythm on the BWF tour. She staged her comeback with back-to-back quarterfinal wins at the China Masters and Malaysia Masters, setting the stage for her series of great results.

Chahila's road to the Korea Masters crown included victories over some though rivals. The Guwahati-based shuttler, who trains under Park Tae-Sang at the National Centre of Excellence, knocked out Japan's top-seeded Hina Akechi in the quarterfinals before defeating fellow Indian Rakshita Ramraj in the last tour.

Her triumph also extended India's amazing run on the BWF circuit, making it consecutive women's singles championships for the country after Tanvi Sharma's Taipei Open success a week earlier.