Ashmita Chaliha Wins Korea Masters 2026, Claims Maiden BWF World Tour Title

By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
Aug 10, 2026
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Indian badminton star Ashmita Chaliha scripted a major career milestone on Sunday by winning the BWF Korea Masters 2026 women’s singles title. The 26-year-old shuttler produced a superb comeback against China’s fourth-seeded Han Qian Xi to secure her maiden BWF World Tour title.

Chaliha defeated Han Qian Xi 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in a 53-minute final to lift the Korea Masters Super 300 trophy. The victory is the biggest title of her career and marks an important achievement in her return from a serious knee injury.

Ashmita Chaliha Makes Stunning Comeback in Korea Masters Final

Chaliha began the championship match positively and established an early 3-0 advantage. She remained ahead at 9-5 before Han fought back to make the score 11-11.

The Chinese player then took control of the rallies and finished the opening game 21-14, leaving Chaliha one game away from defeat.

The Indian shuttler, however, completely changed the momentum in the second game.

Chaliha increased the pace of her attacking play, using powerful smashes and precise returns to put Han under pressure. After the scores reached 6-6, the Indian moved ahead and entered the interval with an 11-8 advantage.

She continued dictating the exchanges after the break and eventually moved 17-10 in front. Chaliha converted her opportunities to take the second game 21-14 and force a deciding game.

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Chaliha Holds Nerve to Win Decider

The final game developed into a closely fought battle.

Chaliha initially moved 5-2 ahead, but Han responded strongly and led 11-9 at the interval. The Indian did not allow the deficit to affect her composure.

A well-placed shot along the line helped Chaliha regain the lead at 12-11. From there, she gradually took control of the contest.

The Indian exploited gaps in Han’s court effectively and moved to a 19-14 advantage. She then secured championship point when Han’s return went wide.

The victory sparked an emotional celebration for Chaliha, who had fought back from one game down to win the Korea Masters title.

First BWF World Tour Title for Ashmita Chaliha

The Korea Masters crown represents Chaliha’s first BWF World Tour title. She also became the first Indian woman to win the Korea Masters women’s singles title, according to reports following her breakthrough victory.

The triumph is particularly significant because Chaliha had previously made deep runs at several BWF Tour events but had not converted them into a World Tour championship.

Her latest success establishes her as one of the Indian players making a strong push on the international badminton circuit.

Ashmita Chaliha’s Comeback After Knee Surgery

Chaliha’s Korea Masters triumph comes after a difficult period in her career.

She suffered a medial meniscus injury in her right knee during the Korea Open in 2024, subsequently undergoing surgery followed by an extensive rehabilitation programme.

Her return to international competition marked the beginning of a gradual rebuilding process. She later produced encouraging performances at BWF Tour events, including quarterfinal appearances and a semifinal run at the Macau Open.

Her progress culminated in the Korea Masters, where she finally secured her first major BWF World Tour crown.

Park Tae-Sang’s Role in Chaliha’s Progress

Chaliha trains under South Korean coach Park Tae-Sang at the National Center of Excellence in Guwahati.

Her tactical improvement and ability to remain composed during the Korea Masters final were crucial to overturning Han Qian Xi’s early advantage.

The title therefore represents not only an individual breakthrough but also a significant step in Chaliha’s comeback journey.

India’s Recent Success on the BWF World Tour

Chaliha’s victory adds to India’s recent success in women’s singles badminton.

Her Korea Masters triumph came shortly after Tanvi Sharma won the Taipei Open on August 2, giving India consecutive BWF World Tour titles.

The result also strengthens India’s growing pool of contenders in women’s singles, with Chaliha’s breakthrough providing another major boost to the country’s badminton campaign.

What the Korea Masters Win Means for Ashmita Chaliha

The Korea Masters title could prove to be a turning point in Chaliha’s career.

After overcoming injury, surgery and rehabilitation, she has now converted her improved performances into a prestigious international title. Her comeback victory against a seeded Chinese opponent also demonstrated her ability to recover from difficult situations and perform under pressure.

With her first BWF World Tour trophy secured, Chaliha will now look to build on the momentum and challenge for further titles on the international circuit.