Asian Games 2026: No squash gold for India as Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh win silver

Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh NEW DELHI: India’s wait for a squash singles gold at the Asian Games continued on Sunday as both Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh lost their finals to their Malaysian opponents, taking the country away with two silver medals from the individual events.World No. 5 Sivasangari Subramaniam defeated 18-year-old Anahat 11-4, 11-4, 11-7 in the women’s singles final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena, while World No. 17 Ng Eain Yow beat World No. 26 Abhay 11-9, 11 a day earlier in the men’s 11.15 final.The two results meant Malaysia swept two singles gold medals. Still, the silver was historic for Anahat as she became the first Indian woman to reach the singles final in squash at the Asian Games.The result also meant that India missed out on a direct opportunity to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, played for through the Asian Games singles competition. Squash will debut at the 2028 LA Olympics.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule

Anahat is unable to maintain a clear start

Anahat made an encouraging start to the women’s final, taking a 3-2 lead against Sivasangari and showing an attacking intent that took her into the gold medal match.However, the Malaysian quickly changed the pace. Sivasangari began to find more control in the forehands and led 8-3 before closing out the opening game 11-4.Anahat needed an immediate response but Sivasangari continued to dictate the contest. The Malaysian took a 2-0 lead by taking the second game 11-4, leaving the Indian teenager needing three consecutive games to turn the final around.Anahat fought to stay in the contest in the third, but Sivasangari remained in control. The Malaysian eventually completed the straight games victory by winning the third game 11-7.For Anahat, a campaign in which she reached the Asian Games singles final at just 18 years old ended in defeat. The reigning world junior champion also carried India’s hopes of securing a historic women’s singles gold.

Abhay also denied Malaysia

A few hours earlier, Abhay faced a similar result in the men’s final against Ng Eain Yow.The opening game was very close, with Ng holding a narrow 4-3 advantage and Abhay staying within touch. The Indian made a clever change of angle at one stage to wrong-foot the Malaysian to stay in contention at 8-7.However, Ng handled the final exchanges better and took the game 11-9.The Malaysian then gained more control in the second game, winning it 11-5. Abhay responded strongly early in the period to open up a 4-2 lead, but Ng fought back to move ahead 6-5.Abhay held on for a point but Ng had the nerve to close out the game 11-5 to complete a 3-0 victory.The silver marked a strong finish for Abhay, who advanced to the final without much difficulty as he bids to add another chapter to India’s men’s singles squash record at the Asian Games.

Three squash medals, other team events

India’s two singles silvers are in addition to the bronze won by Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar in the mixed doubles. With three medals secured, India’s squash campaign will shift to team events from Monday.The two singles finals offered India an opportunity to collect gold medals in both men’s and women’s events. Instead, Malaysia emerged with both titles, while India finished with silver in each.The focus now shifts to the team events, where India will look to add to its medal tally after narrowly missing out on a singles gold.