Asian Games: Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh lead India’s squash surge – two finals, three medals and Olympic berth in sight

Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: India enjoyed a remarkable day in squash at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday as Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh stormed into the finals of the women’s and men’s singles, while the mixed doubles team of Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar clinched the bronze medal at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.The results gave India two gold medals in squash on Sunday, while Anahat and Abhay were one win away from potentially becoming the first Indian squash players to secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.The Asian Games singles champions will receive direct qualification to LA28 subject to eligibility criteria, including the PSA World Ranking requirement at the qualification deadline. Squash will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles.This made Saturday one of the most productive days for Indian squash at the major continental event, with the country guaranteed three medals and still in contention for two golds.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | Schedule

Anahat produces a comeback for the ages

The biggest performance of the day came from 18-year-old Anahat, who produced one of the best comebacks of her young career to beat Japan’s world number six Satomi Watanabe 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3.The world number 17 Indian was staring at defeat after dropping her opening two games against the home favourite. Watanabe’s variations, tempo changes and sharp angles kept Anahato under constant pressure.But the teenager changed the face of the match in the third game.At 8-10, Anahat saved two match points before making a remarkable turnaround to win 12-10. She then carried the momentum into the fourth game, winning 11-6 to tie the match.There was also some anxiety during the semi-final when Anahata’s head hit Watanabe’s shoulder as she tried to retrieve the ball. The bout was briefly stopped as the Indian woman received medical attention before returning to continue the fight.In the decision, Anahat gave Watanabe virtually no opportunity to regain control. She attacked with confidence and closed out the game on an 11-3 run to complete a stunning 3-2 victory.The win was also revenge for Anahato, who lost to Watanabe in another five-fight contest earlier this year.She is now one win away from an Asian Games gold medal – and possibly an Olympic ticket.

Abhay follows Anahat into the gold medal match

Abhay then completed India’s singles title by defeating Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan 3-0 in the men’s semi-final.The Indian won 11-3, 12-10, 11-6 in a 35-minute contest in which he controlled proceedings for long periods.Abhay started fast, leading 6-2 in the opening game before closing it 11-3. Irfan pushed him harder in the second but Abhay held his nerve in the tense moments to equalize at 12-10.There was no release until the third. Abhay maintained control and closed out the match 11-6 to book a place in the final.Like Anahat, he is now one win away from gold and a direct path to LA28. The Asian Games is a continental qualifying event for squash, with the men’s and women’s singles gold medalists earning Olympic qualification under eligibility rules.

Joshna and Velavan add bronze

India’s medal tally in squash increased earlier in the day when Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured bronze in the mixed doubles event.The Indian pair lost to Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi 1-2 (10-11, 11-2, 10-11) in a hard-fought semi-final.After narrowly losing the opening game, Joshna and Velavan responded strongly to level the match by winning the second 11-2. The deciding game again fell to the rafters, but the Hong Kong pair kept their composure to win 11-10 to advance to the final.The bronze nevertheless marked another milestone for Joshna. At a record seventh Asian Games, the 40-year-old added another medal to a collection that already included two silver and three bronze medals at the continental showpiece.India made sure of a mixed doubles medal after Joshna and Velavan beat Philippines’ David Pelin and Jemyca Aribad in the quarterfinals on Friday.But the bigger story on Saturday was the singles double.With Anahat and Abhay advancing to the final, India now have two chances to win squash gold and potentially secure two historic Olympic berths in LA28.