Asian Games: Anahat Singh saves two match points to stun world number six Satomi Watanabe, now one win away from historic gold and LA Olympics

NEW DELHI: Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh notched the biggest win of her career, coming from two games down to beat Japan’s world number six Satomi Watanabe to storm into the women’s singles final at the 2026 Asian Games on Saturday. The 18-year-old is now just one victory away from a historic gold medal and participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut.Playing in front of a Watanabe-supporting home crowd, the Indian world number 17 showed extraordinary resilience to prevail 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3 in a thrilling five-game semi-final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Anahat’s win avenged the Japanese star’s five-match losing streak earlier this year.The stakes could hardly be higher. The singles competition at the Asian Games serves as the Asian continental qualifier for the LA Olympics, giving Anahat the opportunity to secure a spot in squash’s first appearance on the Olympic programme.

Anahat saves two match points to turn the match around

Anahat’s path to the finals was anything but straightforward. Home favorite Watanabe used her variations, changes of pace and sharp angles to take the opening two games, leaving the Indian facing a daunting challenge.However, the young man refused to give up. Down 8-10 in the third game, she saved two match points before coming back to win 12-10 and keep her hopes alive.Asian Games full coverage | Medal Tally | ScheduleThe match also saw an unfortunate collision between the two players. As Anahat tried to retrieve the ball, her head collided with Watanabe’s shoulder, prompting a brief stoppage for medical attention. After treatment, the Indian woman returned to the court and continued to fight.Anahat dominated the fourth game, winning it 11-6 to tie the match at 2-2. She was in complete control in the deciding game, attacking with confidence and denying Watanabe the opportunity to recover. Anahat raced to an 11-3 victory to complete a remarkable comeback and secure a place in the final.The win marks a major milestone in the young Indian’s career as she now has an opportunity to win the title at the Asian Games and take a big step towards the Olympic stage.

Historic gold and Olympic qualification within reach

With squash set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, the Asian Games events have added significance for individuals. The continental competition provides a qualification route for Asian players and puts Anahata on the brink of a potentially historic achievement.The Indian teenager’s finals also offers her an opportunity to build on the progress she has made on the international circuit. After beating one of the tournament’s top contenders in her own backyard, she will now look to carry that momentum into the gold medal match.Earlier in the day, India’s Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar had to settle for mixed doubles bronze after losing a tight semi-final against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi.The Indian pair lost 10-11, 11-2, 10-11 in an intense three-game match. After narrowly losing the opening game, Joshna and Velavan responded strongly in the second, but Hong Kong held their nerve in the deciding game to reach the final.However, Anahat’s win ensured that India’s squash gold hopes remained alive and the teenager is now one match away from adding a major title to her growing list of achievements.