Historic Achievement for Indian Badminton
Devika becomes only the third Indian woman, after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, to win a BWF World Tour Super 300 title. Her victory comes at the start of a new season, offering a fresh spark for Indian badminton.
Road to the Title
In the final, Devika led Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei 21-8, 6-3 before her opponent retired due to injury. Earlier, she showcased her resilience by saving five consecutive game points against world number 35 Huang Yu-Hsun in the semifinals, winning 22-20 in the first game. In the quarterfinals, she overcame top seed Supanida Katethong in a remarkable display of attacking badminton.
Training and Mentorship
Devika trains alongside PV Sindhu at the Centre for Badminton Excellence (CBE)</strong) in Bengaluru. Recently, she began working with Sindhu’s Indonesian coach Irwansyah Adi Pratama, a move credited with sharpening her game and building her confidence. Coach Sagar Chopda highlighted that the change in coaching was key to Devika’s breakthrough.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Devika’s victory has been lauded by Sindhu and the badminton fraternity. With this win, she is set to move into the Top 40 rankings, paving the way for participation in bigger international tournaments. She will soon travel to Azerbaijan for a Challenger tournament, demonstrating her dedication and ambition to grow as a world-class player.
Conclusion
Devika Sihag’s Thailand Masters 2026 win is a testament to India’s growing badminton talent pool. Her mental composure, versatility, and attacking game style signal the arrival of a new star in Indian badminton.
