Anahat and Abhay Singh Shine at Asian Games 2026, Securing Semi-Final Spots

Squash Stars Anahat and Abhay Reach Semi-Finals

Indian squash athletes Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh have both advanced to the semi-finals in their respective singles categories at the Asian Games 2026, following impressive victories in their quarterfinal matches on Friday.

The 18-year-old Anahat showcased her skills by defeating fellow Indian Tanvi Khanna with a commanding score of 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-3) in just 15 minutes during the women's singles quarterfinal.

Anahat dominated the match from the start, winning the first game 11-2 in a mere five minutes, utilizing a series of precise drop shots. Tanvi struggled to keep pace with Anahat's aggressive play, which consistently earned her points.

The second game mirrored the first, as Anahat maintained her lead despite a late effort from Tanvi, ultimately winning 11-5 in six minutes. She sealed her victory with an 11-3 score in the third game, securing her spot in the semi-finals against Japan's Satomi Watanabe. Watanabe, ranked sixth in the world, previously won a bronze medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. Anahat and Watanabe have faced each other once before, with Anahat initially leading 2-0 before Watanabe turned the match around to win 3-2.

In the men's singles, Abhay Singh also progressed to the semi-finals with a straightforward 3-0 (11-4, 11-3, 11-6) victory over Japan's Ryunosuke Tsukue, taking 30 minutes to complete the match.

Abhay controlled the game from the beginning, preventing his opponent from gaining any momentum and securing a straight-game win. He may face fellow Indian Veer Chotrani in the semi-finals, provided Chotrani defeats Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan in his quarterfinal match later in the day. An all-Indian semi-final would ensure at least a silver medal for India in the men's singles event.

India has already clinched medals in squash at the ongoing Games, with Joshana Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar reaching the mixed doubles semi-finals after overcoming the Philippines' David Pelino and Jemcya Aribado in their quarterfinal match.

Other Sports Highlights

India had a successful day at the Asian Games 2026, with notable performances in shooting, squash, kabaddi, and table tennis. Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh secured gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, while Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Rudrankksh Patil, and Niraj Kumar earned silver in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions team event.

With Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh reaching the singles semi-finals, India is assured of multiple squash medals. Additionally, Joshana Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar have advanced to the mixed doubles semi-finals. In table tennis, Diya Chitale and Manush Shah also secured a medal by reaching the mixed doubles semi-finals, while Yashaswini Ghorpade progressed in women's singles.

The defending champions, India, have reached the women's kabaddi final after defeating Nepal, and the women's hockey team triumphed over Japan with a score of 3-1 in Pool B.

In swimming, Sajan Prakash, Rishabh Das, and Utkarsh Patil have advanced to their respective finals. Badminton also saw victories for Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto and Unnati Hooda.

However, India faced setbacks in fencing, canoe sprint, and several swimming events, with the women's kayak four finishing in eighth place. Anamika Aneesh and Pooja are currently seventh and ninth in the heptathlon standings, respectively. Additionally, India lost 0-2 to South Korea in Pokémon Unite esports.