Asan (South Korea), Aug 9: India’s Ashmita Chaliha created history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian to win the Korea Masters women’s singles title after defeating China’s fourth seed Han Qian Xi in a thrilling three-game final.
The 26-year-old fought back from a game down to register a 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 victory in 53 minutes, securing the biggest title of her career and joining the list of Indian Super 300 champions.
Training at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) in Guwahati, Ashmita also became the latest Indian shuttler to lift a BWF Super 300 title, following Devika Sihag’s Thailand Masters triumph earlier this year and Tanvi Sharma’s victory at last week’s Chinese Taipei Open.
“I feel really great and unbelievable. But then I am trying to digest it. Now, I am hungry for more,” Ashmita said after her historic victory.
Ranked World No. 50, Ashmita entered the final in impressive form after knocking out top seed Hina Akechi in the quarter-finals.
She started the title clash brightly, racing to a 9-5 lead in the opening game. However, a series of unforced errors allowed Han to win five consecutive points before the Chinese shuttler took control to claim the first game 21-14.
Ashmita responded strongly in the second game, displaying greater control and patience during the rallies. She reduced her mistakes, dictated the tempo and capitalised on crucial points to level the match with a 21-14 win.
The decider followed a similar pattern, with the Indian maintaining her composure under pressure before sealing another 21-14 victory to complete a memorable comeback.
Reflecting on the final, Ashmita said the changing drift conditions inside the arena played a key role.
“In the first game, it was a little bit tricky because of the drift condition, so I was not able to manage it. But in the second, the other side was more comfortable and there was less drift, so I was able to control it. And in the third, after 11 points, I changed again, so I was on the good side. I’m glad that I could pull it off,” she said.
The victory marks a significant milestone in Ashmita’s career and further underlines the growing strength of Indian badminton on the international circuit.
