Indian squash teams fall short of the semi-finals and end up with bronze at the Asian Games

The Indian men’s and women’s squash teams signed off with bronze medals at the Nagoya Asian Games on Thursday, October 1, after both sides suffered 1-2 defeats in their semi-finals. While the men were defeated by Malaysia, the women went down to Hong Kong, ending their hopes of reaching the gold medal matches.

The men’s team, the defending champions, were aiming to set up a potential final against Pakistan, but Malaysia proved too strong at key moments. Pakistan had earlier beaten Hong Kong 2-1 to book their place in the final.

Asian Games 2026 October 1 highlights

Abhay Singh was given the responsibility of leading India against Malaysia but faced Eain Yow Ng, who had beaten him in the men’s singles final earlier in the games. Ng again proved too strong, producing a dominant 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 victory in 22 minutes.

CHOTRANI ARE KEEPING INDIA ALIVE BUT MALAYSIA ARE HOLDING THEIR NERVES

Abhay struggled to find a way through Ng’s consistent play as the Malaysian controlled the rally and maintained his advantage throughout to give his side a 1-0 lead.

India responded strongly through Veer Chotrani, who produced an impressive straight-match win over Sanjay Jeev. Chotrani won 11-4, 11-8, 11-5 in just 11 minutes, quickly gaining control and never allowing Jeev to settle. His win brought India level at 1-1 and set up the deciding rubber.

Velavan Senthilkumar then took on Ameeshenraj Chandaran and progress to the final was at stake. Senthilkumar got off to a positive start and took the opening game 12-10 after a close battle. However, Chandaran immediately responded and gradually took control.

The Malaysian won the second game 11-6 and followed it up with an 11-8 victory in the third. Senthilkumar tried to force a comeback in the fourth but Chandaran held his nerve to close out the match at 11-9.

Chandaran’s 3-1 win, completed in 32 minutes, gave Malaysia the decisive point and sealed a 2-1 victory in a 1 hour 6 minute tie.

ANAHAT HEARTBREAK, TANVI FIGHTBACK AND JOSHNA FINAL BATTLE

The women’s team also withstood a heart-pounding semi-final against Hong Kong. Anahat Singh, who is ranked 17th in the world, has been given the responsibility to give India an early advantage against the world 25th Sin Yuk Chan.

Anahat got off to a great start and won the first two games. She also led 10-6 in the fourth game but failed to convert four match points as Sin fought back to force a decision. Anahat eventually lost 2-3 (11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 10-12) in a dramatic match.

Tanvi Khanna then put up a brilliant fightback to keep India’s hopes alive. The world No. 73 recovered from her opening match loss against world No. 40 Ka Yi Lee to win 4-11, 13-11, 11-9, 13-11.

Tanvi showed remarkable resilience in the last three games, fending off losses and saving game points before converting her opportunities to level the score at 1-1.

However, veteran Joshana Chinappa could not complete the comeback against Ho Tze Lok. The former world top 10 player struggled to keep up with her opponent and lost 4-11, 7-11, 9-11 in 21 minutes.

Joshana, despite trailing by six match points in the third game, saved five of them in a late fight before Ho finally closed out the contest.

– The end