India’s squash teams fall short in semifinals, finish Asian Games with bronze
India’s men’s and women’s squash teams signed off with bronze medals at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Thursday, October 1, after both sides suffered 1-2 defeats in their respective semi-finals. While the men were beaten 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 in the crucial moments. Pakistan had earlier defeated Hong Kong 2-1 to book their place in the final.
Asian Games 2026, October 1 Highlights
Abhay Singh was given the responsibility of putting India ahead against Malaysia but faced Eain Yow Ng, who had beaten him in the men’s singles final earlier in the Games. Ng once again proved too strong, producing a dominant 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 victory in 22 minutes.
CHOTRANI KEEPS INDIA ALIVE, BUT MALAYSIA HOLD THEIR NERVE
Abhay struggled to find a way through Ng’s consistent play as the Malaysian controlled the rallies and maintained his advantage throughout to give his team a 1-0 lead.
India responded strongly through Veer Chotrani, who produced an impressive straight-games victory over Sanjay Jeeva. Chotrani won 11-4, 11-8, 11-5 in just 11 minutes, quickly establishing control and never allowing Jeeva to settle. His victory brought India level at 1-1 and set up a deciding rubber.
Velavan Senthilkumar then faced Ameeshenraj Chandaran with a place in the final at stake. Senthilkumar made a positive start, taking the opening game 12-10 after a closely fought battle. Chandaran, however, responded immediately and gradually took control.
The Malaysian won the second game 11-6 and followed it with an 11-8 victory in the third. Senthilkumar attempted to force a comeback in the fourth, but Chandaran held his nerve to close out the match 11-9.
Chandaran’s 3-1 win, completed in 32 minutes, handed Malaysia the deciding point and sealed a 2-1 victory in the 1 hour 6 minute tie.
ANAHAT HEARTBREAK, TANVI FIGHTBACK AND JOSHNA’S FINAL BATTLE
The women’s team also endured a heartbreaking semi-final against Hong Kong. Anahat Singh, ranked No. 17 in the world, was handed the responsibility of giving India an early advantage against world No. 25 Sin Yuk Chan.
Anahat made an excellent start and took the first two games. She was also leading 10-6 in the fourth game, but could not convert four match points as Sin fought back to force a decider. Anahat eventually went down 2-3 (11-9, 11-8, 6-11, 11-13, 10-12) in a dramatic contest.
Tanvi Khanna then produced a superb fightback to keep India’s hopes alive. The world No. 73 recovered from losing the opening game against world No. 40 Ka Yi Lee to win 4-11, 13-11, 11-9, 13-11.
Tanvi showed remarkable resilience in the final three games, fighting back from deficits and saving game points before converting her opportunities to level the tie 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 pace 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 fightback before Ho finally closed out the contest.
– Ends
