Devika Sihag etched her name into Indian badminton history on Sunday, becoming only the third Indian women’s singles player to win a World Tour 300 title after clinching the USD 250,000 Thailand Masters in Bangkok.
The 20-year-old unseeded Indian was firmly in control of the final against Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei, leading 21-8, 6-3, before her opponent was forced to retire due to injury. With the victory, Devika joined PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal as the only Indian women to have lifted a Super 300 singles title on the BWF World Tour.
Speaking after her title win, Devika said, “I’m really happy today as this is my first Super 300 title. I’m excited to play more tournaments ahead and very happy today. I’ve played very good matches here. I’ve learnt a lot. I’ll implement them in my game and rectify my mistakes.”
“Coming into the match I didn’t think about winning or losing, rather wanted to give my 100 per cent. That gave me the confidence,” she added.
World champion Sindhu was quick to congratulate the youngster, highlighting her growth and work ethic. “I always get super excited when my training partners do well. Devika trains with me and Coach Irwansyah in Bangalore, and her dedication has been incredible to witness up close,” Sindhu wrote on social media.
“She’s worked very closely with my team on strength and conditioning, and I’ve personally seen her game grow, mature, and evolve step-by-step. This win is a reflection of the discipline, hard work, and belief she has shown every single day. So proud of her,” she added.
While the title match ended prematurely, the contrast in physical condition between the two finalists was evident. The final proved to be a moment of joy for Devika but heartbreak for Goh, who appeared drained after enduring four gruelling three-game matches en route to the title clash. The Malaysian, who has battled issues with form and fitness over the past two years, had already complained of fatigue on Saturday.
From the opening exchanges, Goh’s movement was laboured and her discomfort apparent, particularly around her left leg. Devika capitalised with a composed and aggressive display, using a mix of cross-court and straight smashes, cleverly disguised drops, and sharp net play to race to a 9-2 lead. A precise smash followed by a deft touch helped her extend the advantage to 11-4 at the mid-game interval, before a backhand net cross sealed the opening game convincingly.
After the change of ends in the second game, Devika continued to dictate play, moving ahead 6-3 as Goh struggled to move freely. With the pain clearly worsening, the Malaysian eventually decided to retire, handing the Indian her biggest career title to date.
“I thought to start with a good pace initially, and that worked well. She was tired I believe had cramps. I wish for her recovery,” Devika said.
Devika’s triumph in Bangkok is the latest milestone in a rise that has been marked by consistency and steady progression. She claimed her maiden international title at the Malaysia International in August 2025 and later played a key role in India’s mixed team bronze-medal finish at the 2025 World University Games.
Her upward trajectory gathered further momentum last season when she finished runner-up at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 and reached four finals in 2024, lifting titles at the Swedish Open and the Portugal International, while settling for second place at the Estonian International and the Dutch International.