India’s Devika Sihag continued her dream run at the BNI Indonesia Masters Super 100 2025, storming into her maiden BWF Super 100 final after a gritty three-game victory over Indonesia’s Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari on Saturday.
The world No. 69 Indian defeated the local favourite (WR 86) 21-9, 19-21, 21-12 in a thrilling semifinal that lasted just under an hour. With this victory, Devika not only secured her place in the final but also scripted one of the biggest milestones of her young career, reaching her first Super 100 final. Seeded eighth, the 23-year-old from Haryana has displayed remarkable consistency throughout the week in Surabaya. Her campaign began with a commanding 21-15, 21-8 win over Pui of Macau in the opening round a match that set the tone for her aggressive and composed gameplay.
In the Round of 16, she faced a major test against Korea’s Lee So Yul, a higher-ranked and experienced opponent. After dropping the first game 17-21, Devika showed remarkable resilience to save three match points in the second before clinching it 26-24. She then carried her momentum into the decider, winning 21-18 to book a spot in the quarterfinals her first-ever at a BWF Super 100 event.
Her quarterfinal against American shuttler Ishika Jaiswal turned into another tense three-game affair. Devika dominated the opening game 21-12 but faltered briefly in the second before regaining control in the decider to win 21-12, 13-21, 21-17. That result not only marked her first Super 100 semifinal appearance but also highlighted her ability to recover from setbacks and adapt tactically mid-match a trait now defining her growth this season.
The Semifinal: A Battle of Nerves Against the Home Favourite
Facing home crowd favourite Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari in the semifinals, Devika entered the match knowing she would need both focus and composure to silence the Indonesian supporters. She began brilliantly, dictating the rallies with her crisp net play and sharp cross-court angles, taking the opening game 21-9 in just 15 minutes. However, the second game proved more complicated. Devika led 18-12 at one stage but lost concentration and allowed Puspitasari to claw back, eventually dropping the game 19-21. That lapse could have unsettled many young players, but Devika regrouped confidently. She dominated the decider with renewed precision, moving Puspitasari around the court and forcing repeated errors to close out the match 21-12.
“It was a tough match, especially after losing the second game from a big lead,” Devika said afterward. “The crowd was loud, but I focused on my strategy and kept my calm. I’m happy to reach my first Super 100 final.”
Devika’s remarkable run now sets up a blockbuster final against none other than Nozomi Okuhara, the 2017 World Champion and former world No. 1 from Japan. Okuhara, currently on a red-hot streak with back-to-back titles in the last two weeks, enters the final as the overwhelming favourite. For Devika, though, the matchup presents an invaluable opportunity to measure herself against one of the sport’s modern greats. A win would be monumental, but even a strong showing would further cement her place among India’s emerging next-generation shuttlers alongside players like Anupama Upadhyaya and Unnati Hooda.
The encounter promises a fascinating tactical duel: Devika’s attacking instincts and steep smashes against Okuhara’s defensive mastery and rally endurance. While Okuhara’s ability to sustain long exchanges and retrieve near-impossible shots remains her hallmark, Devika’s renewed physical conditioning and improved shot variation could help her mount a serious challenge.
This performance caps off a breakthrough 2025 season for Devika, who has gradually climbed into the top 70 in the world rankings through consistent performances at the Syed Modi International, Orleans Masters, and Abu Dhabi International Challenge. Her all-court game, powered by stronger forehand control and tactical maturity, has made her one of the brightest prospects in India’s women’s singles lineup.
Her journey in Surabaya also underscores her mental fortitude every win except her opener came in three games, demonstrating both stamina and composure under pressure. That belief will now be tested in the ultimate stage against Okuhara, a player with over a decade of experience and multiple BWF World Tour titles.
No matter the outcome, Devika Sihag’s run at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 has already made her one of the standout stories of the tournament. From surviving match points in the Round of 16 to toppling local favourites and entering her first-ever Super 100 final, she has shown maturity and grit that reflect the evolution of India’s badminton depth beyond the elite level.
As she steps onto court for the final, Devika carries not only her own aspirations but also the hopes of Indian badminton fans eager for the next big breakthrough on the women’s singles circuit. If she can channel the same fighting spirit that defined her semifinal and previous rounds, she might just script one of the most memorable upsets of the 2025 season.
