“I’m Hungry for More”: Ashmita Chaliha Scripts Stunning Korea Masters Triumph After Injury Ordeal

Where hopes ended for Ashmita Chaliha after a severe medial meniscus tear in her right knee at the Korea Open in August 2024, the same place has now become the launchpad for the Indian shuttler’s biggest triumph. Nearly two years after undergoing emergency surgery and being forced onto crutches, Chaliha returned to the same stage to script a remarkable comeback.

The Indian shuttler roared back from a game down to defeat fourth seed Han Qian Xi of China and clinch her maiden BWF World Tour title. The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Chaliha, who endured a prolonged rehabilitation after her injury.

It also makes her the first Indian to win this event. Responding to this, Chaliha said, “I feel blessed. Thank you to everyone for supporting me back home. I’m hungry for more.”
The southpaw managed to get the better of her Chinese opponent to win the final 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in 53 minutes.

Korea Masters 2026: Phenomenal Run Of Ashmita Chaliha

Ashmita, who trains at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, had a phenomenal run in the Korea Masters 2026.

The World No. 50, who had packed off top seed Hina Akechi in the quarterfinals, began the final with a flourish and opened up a 9-5 lead before a flurry of errors saw her drop five straight points and concede the advantage in the opening game.

But the Guwahati-born shuttler made amends in the next two games, showed patience to stay in the rallies and find the winners on crucial junctures to wrap up the final.

Breaking down the final, Ashmita said, “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. So I’m glad that I could pull off.”

Indian badminton is definitely moving towards a transition, with the next generation beginning to make its mark on the international stage. While former world No. 1 Saina Nehwal and former world champion PV Sindhu have enjoyed plenty of success at this level, Devika Sihag’s Thailand Masters triumph in February and Tanvi Sharma’s Chinese Taipei Open title last week underline the emergence of a new generation of Indian stars.