Indian badminton player Ashmita Chaliha produced a spirited comeback to win the women’s singles title at the Korea Masters 2026 on Sunday.

Chaliha defeated China’s Han Qian Xi 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in the final, which lasted 53 minutes at the Asan Yi Sun-sin Gymnasium in South Korea.

The victory gave the Assam shuttler her first BWF World Tour title.

Ashmita Turns Match Around

Han controlled the opening game and took it 21-14, putting Chaliha under early pressure. The Indian responded with a more aggressive and composed performance in the second game, winning it by the same 21-14 margin.

Chaliha maintained her momentum in the deciding game, forcing errors from her Chinese opponent and closing out the championship with another 21-14 victory.

All-Indian Semifinal

Chaliha had reached the final after defeating compatriot Rakshitha Ramraj 21-13, 16-21, 21-13 in Saturday’s semifinal.

The Korea Masters victory is a major individual breakthrough for Chaliha, who was part of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships. She had also won women’s singles and team gold medals at the 2019 South Asian Games.

Her title comes at an important stage for Indian badminton as players prepare for the World Championships and the Asian Games later this year.

Comeback After Injury Problems

Chaliha’s title is particularly significant because it follows a period in which injuries interrupted her progress on the international circuit.

She also had to overcome Indian compatriot Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj in the semifinal. Chaliha won that match 21-13, 16-21, 21-13 in 48 minutes.

The Korea Masters triumph could provide a major rankings boost ahead of upcoming international tournaments. It also strengthens India’s women’s singles options beyond the country’s established names.

The official BWF results list Chaliha as the tournament champion. Her final victory was also confirmed by India Today.