Asian Games 2026: Abhay Singh wins for silver in squash, only second Indian to achieve feat
(Courtesy :Â X/@abhaysinghk98)
Singh reached the final by defeating Pakistanâs Muhammed Ashav Irfan
Indiaâs Abhay Singh missed out on a historic Asian Games gold medal after falling to Ng Eain Yow of Malaysia in a fiercely contested final on Sunday.
In a packed Nagoya Kinjo-Futo arena, the defending champion, NG Eain Yow, won the first three games (11-9, 11-5, 11-5) to claim the title. The top-seeded Malaysian was in complete control during the match with his trademark court craft and defensive resilience to retain the continental crown he first secured in Hangzhou, denying the Indian of what would have been a historic maiden Asian Games menâs singles squash gold for India.
The victory also handed Ng direct qualification for the sportâs Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
The final started at a blistering tempo, with both players trading punishing, full-court rallies from the back corners.
Abhay, who had arrived at the final in red-hot form after dispatching Pakistanâs Muhammad Ashab Irfan in straight games in the semi-finals, looked sharp early on, using his physical presence and deceptive forehand drops to test the Malaysian.
Ngâs big-match composure turns the tide
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However, Ngâs experience on the big stage proved pivotal. The Malaysian world No. 13 weathered the initial onslaught, absorbing the pace before shifting gears with pinpoint lobs and tight rail drives. After edging a tense, back-and-forth opening game, Ng seized control in the second, pouncing on loose mid-court balls and forcing errors from the Indian.
Abhay mounted a spirited response in the third game, digging deep to match Ngâs retrieval game and clawing back crucial points with clinical volley kills.
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Yet, despite the Indianâs relentless fighting spirit, Ng held his composure during the clutch points to seal the match in 54 minutes.
Indiaâs medal tally after Abhay Singhâs silver
India have already broken into the top 10 at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with 31 medals: four gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze. The gold haul features dominant sweeps by both the menâs and womenâs kabaddi sides alongside top podium finishes in womenâs T20 cricket and mixed 10m air pistol shooting.
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Shooting and athletics have served as primary volume drivers, producing substantial podium finishes, including distance-running silvers and team rifle medals. Additional bronze contributions across rowing, squash, table tennis, and badminton have steadily expanded the overall tally as India targets another top-ten continental finish.
Why is Ng Eain Yowâs win significant beyond the Asian Games title?
The victory secured Ng direct qualification for squashâs Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, in addition to defending his continental crown first won in Hangzhou.
How did the final between Abhay Singh and Ng Eain Yow unfold?
Ng won in straight games (11-9, 11-5, 11-5) in 54 minutes, using his experience and defensive resilience to overturn an early fightback from Abhay, who had looked sharp in the opening exchanges.
Where does India stand in the medal tally after this result?
India have climbed into the top 10 at the 2026 Asian Games with 31 medalsâfour gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronzeâdriven largely by kabaddi, shooting, and athletics.
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