Aichi-Nagoya (Japan): India’s squash campaign at the Asian Games received a major boost as Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh entered the singles finals after producing contrasting victories in their respective semifinal matches.

Eighteen-year-old Anahat displayed remarkable fighting spirit to overcome Japan’s world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe in a thrilling contest. The Indian teenager struggled early in the match, losing the opening two games 9-11 and 11-13. However, Anahat changed the momentum with a determined comeback, saving crucial points and winning the next four games 12-10, 11-6, 11-3 to complete a memorable 3-2 victory.

The victory showcased Anahat’s composure under pressure and highlighted her rapid progress on the international stage. Her ability to recover from a difficult start kept India’s hopes alive of securing a major women’s singles squash title at the Games.

In the men’s category, Abhay Singh produced a commanding performance against Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan, securing a straight-game 3-0 win in 35 minutes. Abhay dominated proceedings from the beginning, maintaining pressure throughout the contest and sealing the match with scores of 11-3, 12-10 and 11-6.

India also secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles after Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar lost their semifinal against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi.

With two players now competing for singles gold and a mixed doubles medal already assured, India has enjoyed one of its strongest squash campaigns at the Asian Games. Anahat and Abhay will now aim to complete the tournament with gold medal victories.