Ashmita Chaliha 2.0: How Korea Open winner fought lack of funds, fitness & fate

Ashmita Chaliha, a first-time BWF Tour titlist, faced a challenging comeback after suffering a knee injury in August 2024. Her ranking dropped to World No. 211 by October 2025, and she lost sponsorships as her 26th birthday approached. During this period, Ashmita had to return home and then relocate to the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) to rebuild her career.

The mental toll of being out of the top-200 rankings and away from competition for eight months was daunting, but Ashmita focused on improving her mentality and physical conditioning. She adopted a more patient and consistent approach to her game, and her training regimen included air biking, gym sessions, and running. Ashmita's hard work paid off when she won the Korea Masters 2026, defeating Han Qian Xi in the final.

This victory marked the culmination of her eight-month comeback journey, and she expressed gratitude to her parents, coach Park, and the NCOE for their support during her difficult times.