New Delhi – The Indian squash contingent concluded the individual events at the 2026 Asian Games with two silver medals, after both Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh were defeated in their respective finals by Malaysian opponents. The outcomes handed Malaysia a clean sweep of the singles titles and left India short of the direct Olympic qualification slot tied to the competition.
Women’s final: Anahat Singh falls short
World No. 5 Sivasangari Subramaniam of Malaysia overpowered 18‑year‑old Anahat Singh in the women’s singles final held at Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. The match ended in straight games, with scores of 11‑4, 11‑4 and 11‑7 in favour of the Malaysian. Anahat had begun the contest strongly, briefly taking a 3‑2 lead in the first game, but Subramaniam quickly re‑established control, pulling ahead to an 8‑3 advantage before closing the opening game decisively.
Subramaniam maintained her dominance in the second game, replicating the 11‑4 margin and moving the contest to a 2‑0 lead. Although Anahat attempted a comeback in the third, the Malaysian’s consistency proved too much, and she secured the final game 11‑7. The loss marked a historic moment for the Indian teenager, as she became the first woman from India to reach the Asian Games squash singles final.
Men’s final: Abhay Singh defeated
Earlier in the day, world No. 26 Abhay Singh faced world No. 17 Ng Eain Yow of Malaysia in the men’s singles final. Ng clinched the title in three straight games, posting scores of 11‑9, 11‑5 and 11‑5. The opening game was tightly contested, with Ng holding a narrow 4‑3 edge before edging ahead to win 11‑9. He then expanded his lead in the second game, taking it comfortably at 11‑5.
Abhay showed resilience at the start of the third game, building an early 4‑2 lead, but Ng responded swiftly, turning the tide to a 6‑5 advantage and eventually closing the set 11‑5. Despite the defeat, Abhay’s performance throughout the tournament was strong, and his silver medal adds to India’s tally in the sport.
Implications and upcoming team events
The dual silver medals, while commendable, meant India missed the direct qualification route for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics that was on offer through the Asian Games singles competition. Squash is set to make its Olympic debut at those Games, heightening the significance of the missed opportunity.
India’s overall squash haul at the 2026 Asian Games now includes a bronze medal earned by Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar in the mixed doubles event, bringing the nation’s total to three medals in the sport. With the individual finals concluded, the Indian squad will shift its focus to the team events scheduled to begin on Monday, aiming to add further medals to the tally.
Both Malaysian finalists demonstrated the depth of their nation’s squash program, securing the coveted golds and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a powerhouse in the Asian squash scene. For India, the silvers represent a breakthrough for a young Anahat and a solid effort from Abhay, but also underscore the challenges that remain in converting final‑round appearances into gold medals and Olympic berths.
As the Asian Games progress, Indian officials and coaches are expected to analyse the performances, particularly the narrow margins in the women’s final and the competitive third game of the men’s final, to refine strategies ahead of the team contests. The upcoming matches will provide an additional platform for Indian players to showcase their skills and potentially improve the nation’s standing in the overall medal table.
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