INDIA stood on the precipice of sporting history this Saturday at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena, as the Asian Games 2026 transformed into a watershed moment for the nation’s squash program. In a display of grit, tactical brilliance, and sheer determination, Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh vaulted into their respective singles finals, placing India within touching distance of two gold medals and, more significantly, the golden ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
With squash set to make its official debut on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles, the stakes in Nagoya could not be higher. The singles champions in this tournament earn direct qualification for the Games, provided they meet the requisite World Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings. By reaching the finals, both Anahat and Abhay have effectively turned Sunday into the most consequential day in the history of Indian squash.
Anahat produces a comeback for the ages
The headline act of the day belonged to 18-year-old phenom Anahat Singh. Facing world No. 6 and home crowd favorite Satomi Watanabe, Anahat found herself in a perilous position early on. The Japanese star’s masterful use of court geometry, sharp angles, and deceptive pace saw Anahat drop the first two games 9-11, 11-13.
Staring at an exit in the semifinal, the teenager showcased a level of mental fortitude that belies her age. Trailing 8-10 in the third game, Anahat faced two match points. In a sequence that will likely be replayed for years to come, she staved off defeat, found her rhythm, and clawed back to take the game 12-10.
The momentum shift was palpable. A brief scare occurred mid-match when the two players collided, with Anahat taking a knock to the head, necessitating a medical timeout. However, the interruption did little to rattle the Indian teenager. Upon returning to the court, she dominated the fourth game 11-6 before dismantling her opponent 11-3 in the decider. This 3-2 victory was not only a triumph of skill but a measure of revenge against a rival who had bested her earlier this season. Anahat now stands one win away from an Asian Games crown and a historic Olympic berth.
Abhay follows Anahat into the gold-medal match
If Anahat’s victory was a grueling marathon of will, Abhay Singh’s path to the final was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Matching the intensity set by his compatriot, Abhay delivered a clinical 3-0 performance against Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan.
The 35-minute encounter was never truly in doubt. Abhay dictated the pace from the opening whistle, racing to a 6-2 lead in the first game before securing it 11-3. While Irfan attempted to bridge the gap in a tighter second game, Abhay’s composure under pressure allowed him to edge out an 12-10 win. By the time the third game concluded 11-6 in his favor, it was clear that Abhay had reached a new peak in his professional career.
His ability to maintain dominance throughout the tournament has been a bright spot for the Indian contingent. Like Anahat, Abhay enters Sunday’s final knowing that a single victory will secure his place in the history books as one of the first Indian squash players to punch an Olympic ticket.
Joshna and Velavan add a bronze to the tally
While the spotlight shone brightest on the singles courts, the mixed doubles pairing of veteran icon Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar ensured India’s medal haul continued to grow. The pair secured a bronze medal after a heartbreaking, high-stakes semifinal against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi.
The match was a classic battle of momentum. After dropping a razor-thin opening game 10-11, the Indian duo responded with a ferocious 11-2 second-game blowout. The deciding game mirrored the first, ending in an agonizing 10-11 loss. Despite falling short of the final, the bronze medal adds another chapter to the legendary career of 40-year-old Joshna. Competing in her record seventh Asian Games, she continues to serve as the bedrock of Indian squash, proving that even as the sport evolves, her competitive fire remains undimmed.
The road to Sunday
As the dust settles on a frenetic day in Nagoya, the Indian camp finds itself in an enviable position. With three medals already secured—one bronze in the bag and two silver-or-gold outcomes guaranteed—the team is riding a wave of unprecedented success.
Sunday’s finals will be more than just a search for continental glory. They represent a shifting of the guard and the beginning of a new chapter where India is no longer just a participant on the squash world tour, but a primary contender for the sport’s most prestigious prize: an Olympic medal. For Anahat and Abhay, the court is set, the expectations are sky-high, and the dream of Los Angeles is merely one win away.
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