Squash Day 4 Recap: Anahat, Abhay Singh storm into finals; Joshna-Velavan win bronze at Asian Games 2026
Both Anahat and Abhay are just a win away from securing quota spots for LA 2028
Veteran Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched India’s first squash medal at the ongoing Asian Games 2026, before 18-year-old Anahat Singh and Abhay stormed into their respective singles finals to culminate a successful day for India in Aichi Nagoya on Saturday,
Joshna and Velavan secured bronze medals in mixed doubles after losing their semi-final contest while both Anahat and Abhay will play for gold on Sunday. The duo are also just a win away from becoming the nation’s first squash players to secure direct qualification for the 2028 LA Olympics.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: India’s medal winners, live medal tally, results
Heartbreak in mixed doubles
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The day started with the squash mixed doubles semi-final, where Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar took on Hong Kong. The Indian pair started well, taking a 3-1 lead and then going 8-6 up. However, they lost three consecutive points to trail 8-9 and eventually dropped the opening game 10-11.
India came back strongly in the second game, completely dominating the game to win it 11-3 and level the match. The decider was another tight affair. India trailed 2-5 but fought back brilliantly and earned four match points at 10-7.
However, they couldn’t close it out. A couple of lets helped Hong Kong get back into the game, and they eventually leveled the score at 10-10.
The final point was a bit controversial, as the Indian pair initially seemed to have won the rally, but the umpire ruled it a let, saying the early celebration from the Indian pair had distracted the Hong Kong players. Hence, the point was replayed, and India eventually lost the decider 10-11.
It was a tough loss for both Joshna and Velavan, who had to settle for bronze. Joshna Chinappa now has won medals at five consecutive Asian Games. The only medal missing from her collection was gold, and she was hoping to chase it here in the mixed doubles.
Anahat Singh’s stunning comeback seals final spot
In the second match, Anahat Singh produced one of the greatest comebacks. She came from 0-2 down to defeat world No. 6 and home favourite Satomi Watanabe of Japan 3-2 (9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3) and booked her place in the women’s singles final.
Watanabe controlled the first two games, although Anahat kept the gap close. The Indian then produced a stunning comeback in the third game.
Related: Squash at Asian Games 2026: Full schedule, results, & live streaming details
Anahat was trailing 8-10 and faced two match points, but she held her nerve and won four consecutive points to take the game 12-10.
From there, she never looked back. She won the next two games convincingly, putting Watanabe under constant pressure and forcing her into errors. Anahat’s drop shots were particularly impressive throughout the comeback.
Abhay Singh cruises into men’s singles final
Abhay Singh later put the cherry on the cake with a commanding 3-0 (11-3, 12-10, 11-6) win over Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan to reach the men’s singles final. Abhay dominated the opening game, with Irfan struggling to find answers to his gameplay.
The second game was much closer, with Irfan putting up a decent fight and making Abhay work hard for every point. However, Abhay kept his composure in the crucial moments and managed to close out the game 12-10 in extra points.
Abhay started the third game a little slow but gradually found his rhythm. He then was in command in the second half of the game and pulled away comfortably to complete a straight-game victory.
No Indian has ever won the gold medal in the singles event. Both Anahat and Abhay have the chance to create history for India on 27th September, where they will chase the elusive gold and, most importantly, the Olympic quota as well.
How many medals has India won in squash so far at Asian Games 2026?
India has clinched a bronze and assured two more medals, with Anahat and Abhay Singh advancing to the women’s and men’s singles finals respectively.
Who won India’s only squash medal so far at Asian Games 2026?
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar have won India’s only medal so far at the 2026 Asian Games. The Indian pair clinched bronze in mixed doubles after losing their semi-final match against Lee Kai Yi/Tang Ming Hong.
Who will Anahat Singh face in the women’s singles final at Asian Games 2026?
Anahat will be up against Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam in the gold medal match in women’s singles. The match will be played on Sunday (September 27) at 1:30 pm IST.
Who will Abhay Singh face in the men’s singles final at Asian Games 2026?
Abhay will also face Malaysia’s Yow Eain NG in the men’s singes gold medal match. The match will be played on Sunday (September 27) at 12:30 pm IST.
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