Devika Sihag Claims Historic BWF Super 300 Victory at Thailand Masters
In a remarkable achievement for Indian badminton, young shuttler Devika Sihag captured her maiden BWF Super 300 title at the prestigious Thailand Masters on Sunday. The 20-year-old from Haryana was declared the champion after her opponent, Malaysia's Goh Jin Wei, was forced to retire midway through the women's singles final due to a hamstring injury.
Dominant Performance Cut Short by Opponent's Withdrawal
The final match at the USD 250,000 tournament saw Devika Sihag displaying exceptional control and skill, leading comfortably with scores of 21-8, 6-3. At this decisive moment, world No. 68 Goh Jin Wei – a two-time world junior champion – had to withdraw from the competition, handing Devika the most significant title of her budding career. This victory marks a substantial milestone for the rising Indian star, who has been steadily climbing the ranks in international badminton.
Training and Development Under Expert Guidance
Currently ranked world No. 63, Devika Sihag has been honing her skills under the expert guidance of coach Umendra Rana at the renowned Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. Her training regimen has been further enhanced by sessions alongside two-time Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu, under the supervision of Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama. This comprehensive training approach has played a crucial role in her development as a competitive athlete on the global stage.
Consistent Progress and Previous Achievements
Devika's journey in professional badminton has been characterized by gradual and consistent improvement. Her career highlights include:
- Winning her first international crown at the Malaysia International in August 2025
- Playing a pivotal role in India's mixed team bronze-medal finish at the 2025 World University Games
- Finishing as runner-up at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 last season
- Reaching four finals in 2024, with victories at the Swedish Open and Portugal International
- Securing second-place finishes at the Estonian International and Dutch International tournaments
This latest triumph at the Thailand Masters represents the culmination of her persistent efforts and dedication to the sport. As Devika Sihag continues to build on this success, she stands as a promising talent in Indian badminton, inspiring a new generation of athletes with her achievements and commitment to excellence.