Devika Sihag’s remarkable run on the international circuit gathered further momentum as the Indian shuttler captured the women’s singles title at the Azerbaijan International Challenge, defeating compatriot Navya Kanderi 21-10, 21-13 in a commanding final.
Fresh from her title-winning performance at the Thailand Masters, Devika arrived in Azerbaijan brimming with confidence and she translated that form into another clinical campaign. Across the week, she displayed tactical maturity, attacking clarity, and the ability to close out tight situations, culminating in a dominant all-Indian final.
A Controlled Final Performance
The summit clash against Navya Kanderi lasted just 28 minutes, but it was a showcase of Devika’s current rhythm and composure. From the outset, she dictated the pace of rallies, mixing steep smashes with sharp net play to keep Navya on the defensive. In the opening game, Devika surged ahead early, capitalising on her superior court coverage and precision. She maintained relentless pressure, forcing errors and rarely allowing extended exchanges to tilt in her opponent’s favour. The 21-10 scoreline reflected her authority.
The second game followed a similar pattern. While Navya attempted to push the tempo and introduce variation, Devika responded with discipline. Her shot selection was measured, her defence solid, and her transitions from defence to attack seamless. Closing out the match 21-13, she sealed yet another international title with conviction.
The victory reinforced her standing as one of India’s most consistent performers on the international challenge circuit this season.
A Strong and Consistent Campaign
Devika’s path to the title was marked by a blend of dominance and resilience.
She opened her campaign in the Round of 32 with a straightforward 21-11, 21-8 victory over Czech player Tereza Svabikova, establishing control from the start and progressing comfortably. The Round of 16 presented a sterner test against Germany’s Miranda Wilson. In what proved to be one of her toughest matches of the week, Devika edged a high-quality contest 21-18, 24-26, 21-9. After narrowly losing the second game in deuce, she responded emphatically in the decider, showcasing her mental strength and ability to reset under pressure.
In the quarterfinal, she faced fellow Indian Anupama Upadhyaya and secured a 21-11, 21-14 win. Devika’s aggressive mid-court interceptions and sharp attacking angles proved decisive as she moved into the semifinals.
The semifinal against Ashmita Chaliha was another all-Indian encounter, and Devika once again demonstrated composure in key moments. Winning 21-19, 21-19, she handled pressure situations with precision, maintaining clarity in rally construction and finishing strongly at the net. By the time she reached the final, Devika had not only built momentum but also showcased the full spectrum of her game control, patience, aggression, and tactical flexibility.
Building on Thailand Masters Success
Coming into Azerbaijan on the back of a Thailand Masters triumph, expectations were high. Often, sustaining peak performance immediately after a major win can be challenging. Fatigue both physical and mental can affect consistency. However, Devika appeared unfazed. Her movement across the week was sharp, her decision-making crisp, and her confidence evident in how she handled pivotal points.
What stood out particularly was her ability to manage different match situations. Against Wilson, she fought through a three-game battle. Against Ashmita, she closed out two tight games under pressure. In the final, she asserted dominance from the first rally.
Such adaptability signals a player growing in competitive maturity.
Answer Sports Quiz On IndiaSportsHub App To Win Exciting Prizes. Download Now And Stay Updated
Devika’s recent performances underline a clear evolution in her playing style. Her attack has become more structured, with improved patience in rally buildup. Rather than forcing outright winners prematurely, she now constructs points carefully, waiting for openings before accelerating.
Her net control, a crucial asset in women’s singles, has also sharpened. Throughout the tournament, she frequently won short exchanges, converting tight net duels into attacking opportunities. Defensively, she showed resilience, particularly in longer rallies. The three-game battle in the Round of 16 was a telling example of her ability to sustain intensity and respond decisively after setbacks.
Winning back-to-back international titles is never easy, especially in a competitive field featuring strong Asian and European players. Devika’s triumph in Azerbaijan adds valuable ranking points and, more importantly, reinforces her confidence heading into higher-tier events. For Indian badminton, the all-Indian final is itself a positive sign, reflecting depth in women’s singles. But Devika’s ability to rise above the field consistently in recent weeks positions her as a player to watch in upcoming international assignments.
The Azerbaijan International Challenge title is not merely another addition to her trophy cabinet it is a statement of consistency, mental strength, and upward trajectory.
With momentum firmly on her side, Devika Sihag’s golden run continues and the bigger stages now beckon.
