India's Devika Sihag makes history, wins first BWF World Tour title at Thailand Masters

India’s rising badminton star Devika Sihag scripted history at the Thailand Masters 2026 , claiming her first BWF World Tour title on Sunday. The 20-year-old secured the championship after Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei, ranked 68th globally, was forced to retire due to injury while trailing 21-8, 6-3 in the final.

The victory marks Devika’s maiden World Tour triumph and is also the first BWF World Tour title for India in 2026 . Currently ranked 63rd, Devika is already a three-time winner on the BWF International Circuit . Last year, she had finished runner-up at the second Indonesia Masters, though that tournament, a BWF Super 100 event, does not fall under the World Tour despite offering ranking points.

Devika’s path to the final was impressive. In the semifinals on Saturday, she overcame Chinese Taipei’s Huang Yu Hsun in straight sets. The first set was a tight 22-20, while Devika dominated the second, racing to an 11-5 lead at the break and eventually closing it 20-13 after some brilliant net play.

Her journey was highlighted by a stunning quarterfinal victory over the top-seeded home favourite, Supanida Katethong, where she triumphed 21-19, 21-18. Devika’s performance against the world number 16 demonstrated her growing confidence and composure on the big stage.

Meanwhile, fellow Indian Isharani Baruah bowed out in the women’s singles after losing to Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching 18-21, 21-16, 21-13. Isharani had earlier pulled off a major upset by eliminating the second-seeded Chinese Taipei player Sung Shuo Yun in the second round. Despite a strong start, Isharani could not maintain momentum in the following games.

Devika Sihag’s triumph also places her among India’s elite women shuttlers . Following in the footsteps of Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu , she becomes only the third Indian woman to win a BWF World Tour Super 300 or above singles title , cementing her place in the legacy of Indian women’s singles badminton. History continues, and a new chapter has just begun for Indian badminton.