Dominance was the theme of the day for the Indian squash contingent at the Asian Games on Thursday, as the squad put on a clinical masterclass to storm into the quarterfinal stages across both singles and mixed doubles events. The performances in Aichi-Nagoya signaled a clear intent from the Indian camp: they are here for more than just participation; they are here for the podium.
An All-Indian Showdown Looms
The headline story of the day emanated from the women’s singles draw, where two of India’s brightest prospects booked their tickets to the last eight in commanding fashion, setting up a high-stakes internal battle.
Anahat Singh, the junior world champion, continued her rapid ascent in the sport, showcasing the maturity of a seasoned veteran despite her youth. She dismantled Singapore’s Wai Iynn Au Yeong in a swift 19-minute affair, claiming a straight-games victory (11-4, 11-5, 11-7). Her movement on the court was fluid, and her tactical execution left no room for her opponent to breathe.
Joining her in the next round is Tanvi Khanna, who displayed remarkable resilience. After dropping the opening game to Singapore’s Wai Yhann Au Yeong, Khanna recalibrated her game plan with precision. She clawed her way back to dominate the next two games before clinching a hard-fought fourth game 13-11, securing a 3-1 victory after 39 minutes of intense play.
The resulting matchup between Singh and Khanna in the quarterfinals ensures that while India is guaranteed a semifinalist, it also marks the end of the road for one of the country’s top contenders. It is a bittersweet outcome for team management, though it guarantees a high-quality display of Indian squash on the global stage.
New Stakes in the Medal Hunt
This year’s Asian Games format adds a layer of intensity to these quarterfinal matches. Unlike previous editions, where reaching the semifinal round automatically secured a medal, the current rules mandate a third-place playoff. For athletes like Anahat and Tanvi, the road to the podium has effectively become longer and more treacherous. The losing semifinalists must now engage in a high-pressure bronze medal decider, meaning every rally in the upcoming quarterfinal assumes even greater significance for those aiming to stand on the dais.
Men’s Singles: Power and Persistence
The men’s side of the draw saw India’s Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani demonstrate their contrasting but equally effective styles of play.
Abhay Singh was ruthlessly efficient in his quest for a spot in the last eight. He dispatched Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Laksiri in a mere 25 minutes, conceding just 11 points across three games (11-5, 11-6, 11-0). His ability to close out the match with a bagel in the final game speaks volumes about his current fitness and psychological edge. Abhay now turns his focus toward a formidable quarterfinal test against Japan’s Ryunosuke, where he will look to leverage his momentum to break into the final four.
Veer Chotrani, meanwhile, provided the day’s most gripping theater. His match against Malaysia’s Sanjay Jeeva was a marathon, stretching across one hour and nine minutes of high-octane squash. After trading blows through four games, the match hung in the balance, testing the endurance of both athletes. Chotrani’s tenacity ultimately proved the difference, as he dug deep to secure the fifth game 11-6, closing out a 3-2 victory. He faces Pakistan’s Irfan Muhammad in the next round, a contest that promises to be a physical and tactical chess match.
Mixed Doubles Momentum
The success wasn’t limited to the singles court. The seasoned duo of Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar reaffirmed their status as title contenders in the mixed doubles category. Having already tasted success with a bronze medal at the Asian Championships, the pair looked in sync as they navigated the round of 16.
They faced fellow Indians Suraj Chand and Shameena Riaz, but sentiment was put aside as Chinappa and Senthilkumar secured a clean 11-7, 11-10 victory in straight games. Their tactical cohesion was evident throughout, as they systematically dismantled their opponents’ defense. They are now slated to face the Philippine pair of David Pelino and Jemyca Aribado on Friday. Should they maintain their current form, a medal in the mixed doubles appears to be a very realistic ambition for the duo.
As the tournament shifts into the quarterfinal phase, the Indian squash team finds itself in an enviable position. With deep runs in both singles and doubles, the squad has cemented its reputation as a powerhouse in the region. The next 48 hours will undoubtedly serve as the ultimate test of their nerves and skill, as they aim to convert this momentum into hard-earned silverware.
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