Indian Squash Stars Aim for Historic Gold at Asian Games
Historic Gold Medal Matches Await Indian Squash Players
On Sunday, Indian squash athletes Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh are set to make history as they compete against Malaysian players in the gold medal matches for women's and men's singles at the Asian Games. A win for either player would not only secure a gold medal but also an Olympic qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Anahat is scheduled to face Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam in the women's singles final at 1:30 PM IST, while Abhay will compete against Ng Eain Yow in the men's singles final at 12:30 PM. These matches present India with the opportunity to achieve its first individual gold medal in squash at the Asian Games, alongside a spot in the upcoming Olympic event.
Anahat Singh: A Rising Star
At just 18 years old, Anahat Singh has already made a name for herself as one of India's top squash talents. The young player from Delhi earned two bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, competing in the women's team and mixed doubles events. She made her mark on the international stage as the youngest member of the Indian team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she won her first match against Jada Ross from St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Anahat's recent performance at the Asian Games has showcased her resilience, particularly in the semifinal where she staged a remarkable comeback from two games down to defeat Japan's world No. 6, Satomi Watanabe, with scores of 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, and 11-3. Despite sustaining an injury during the match, she returned to secure one of the most impressive victories of her career.
Abhay Singh: Leading the Charge
Joining Anahat in this historic endeavor is 28-year-old Abhay Singh, who holds the title of India's highest-ranked male squash player. Originally from Chennai, Abhay achieved a career-high PSA ranking of No. 22 in April 2026 and is currently positioned at No. 26. As a recipient of the Arjuna Award in 2024, he has become an integral part of the national team.
Abhay advanced to the Asian Games final after a decisive victory over Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan, winning with scores of 11-3, 12-10, and 11-6. He is only the second Indian man to reach the men's singles final at the Asian Games, following Saurav Ghosal. His recent accomplishments include contributing to India's triumph at the 2025 SDAT Squash World Cup in Chennai and winning the Indian Open in Mumbai, along with his third Tuanku Muhriz Trophy title in Malaysia in 2026.
India's Current Standing in Squash
India has already secured a medal in squash at the Asian Games, with Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar winning bronze in the mixed doubles event. This marks Joshna's sixth medal at the Asian Games.
As the finals approach, all eyes are on Anahat and Abhay. A victory for either player would not only mark a significant milestone in their careers but also for Indian squash, as they aim for the coveted gold medal and a place in the 2028 Olympics.