India’s men’s squash team concluded their Asian Games campaign with a bronze medal on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Nagoya, after suffering a 1-2 defeat against Malaysia in the semi-finals. The defending champions had aimed to reach the final against Pakistan but were unable to overcome the challenge posed by their opponents. Malaysia demonstrated resilience in crucial moments, thereby earning their spot in the finals.

Abhay Singh, tasked with the opening match, faced Eain Yow Ng, who had previously triumphed over him in the singles final. Ng continued his dominance, defeating Abhay 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 in a swift 22-minute match. Ng’s consistent performance proved pivotal in giving Malaysia a significant advantage right from the outset.

India responded well with Veer Chotrani, who delivered a stellar performance against Sanjay Jeeva. Chotrani convincingly secured a straight-games victory, winning 11-4, 11-8, and 11-5 in just 11 minutes. His commanding play equalised the match at 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive rubber.

Velavan Senthilkumar then stepped onto the court against Ameeshenraj Chandaran, with a place in the finals at stake. After a closely contested initial game that Senthilkumar won 12-10, Chandaran swiftly regained control, winning the next three games with scores of 11-6, 11-8, and 11-9. This final victory sealed a 2-1 win for Malaysia, concluding a 1 hour and 6-minute tie.

Women’s Team Faces Heartbreak in SF

The women’s squash team also faced disappointment in their semi-final against Hong Kong, resulting in a bronze medal finish. Anahat Singh, ranked No. 17 in the world, was given the task of securing an early lead but struggled despite a strong start against world No. 25 Sin Yuk Chan. Although Anahat claimed the first two games and held a 10-6 advantage in the fourth game, she could not secure the match, eventually losing 2-3.

Anahat’s final score was 11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 10-12, in a match marked by intense competition. Despite the setback, Tanvi Khanna stepped up for India, displaying remarkable resilience. Ranked No. 73 in the world, she rallied from a game down against No. 40 Ka Yi Lee to secure a 4-11, 13-11, 11-9, 13-11 victory, equalising the tie at 1-1.

However, the momentum could not be sustained as seasoned player Joshana Chinappa took to the court against Ho Tze Lok. Joshana faced difficulties in maintaining pace and ultimately lost the match 4-11, 7-11, 9-11 in just 21 minutes. Despite saving five match points in a spirited third game, she could not secure the win, closing the match and the tie.

Looking Ahead to Future Competitions

The performances of both teams at the Asian Games highlight their competitive spirit and determination, despite falling short of a gold medal. The bronze medals serve as a stepping stone for future events, including preparations for upcoming championships. The focus will now shift towards refining strategies and training methodologies.

It is to enhance their performance in subsequent international tournaments. The Indian squash teams’ journey has underscored their potential and dedication to the sport. As they look forward to further competitions, they remain committed to achieving greater heights and hope to build on their experiences from the Asian Games.

Their hard work and perseverance offer a promising outlook for the future. As the Asian Games concludes, both teams have reaffirmed their positions as formidable contenders in Asian squash and are expected to continue showcasing their talent on the international stage in the coming years.

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