Asian Games 2026: Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh Reach Squash Semis

India’s squash campaign at the Asian Games gathered considerable momentum on Friday, with Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh storming into the singles semifinals while Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar also booked their place in the mixed doubles last four.

The results guaranteed India three medals in squash, with the singles pair continuing their pursuit of gold and a potentially significant reward beyond the Asian Games. The men’s and women’s singles champions in Aichi-Nagoya will earn direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its Olympic debut.

Anahat Singh powers past Tanvi to reach Asian Games semifinals

Anahat, India’s first-ever junior world champion, produced another composed performance in the women’s singles quarterfinals, sweeping aside compatriot Tanvi Khanna 11-2, 11-5, 11-3.

The 18-year-old barely allowed Tanvi an opening, controlling the rallies from the outset and closing out the contest in straight games.

Her reward is a semifinal against Japan’s Satomi Watanabe, the world No. 6 and a bronze medallist at the Hangzhou Asian Games. It will represent a considerably tougher test for Anahat, who remains firmly in contention for the women’s singles gold.

A victory would also take her one step closer to securing India’s first direct Olympic qualification berth in squash.

Abhay Singh sets up Pakistan semifinal

Abhay was equally authoritative in the men’s singles quarterfinals, dispatching Japan’s Ryonosuke Tsukue 11-4, 11-3, 11-6.

The Indian quickly established control and never allowed the home favourite to build any sustained momentum.

Abhay will now face Pakistan’s Irfan Muhammad in the semifinals. Muhammad advanced after defeating India’s Veer Chotrani 6-11, 11-8, 11-3, 11-3 in 41 minutes.

Chotrani had taken the opening game, but Muhammad gradually turned the contest around, winning the next three games to deny India an all-Indian presence in the men’s last four.

Joshna Chinappa makes Asian Games history

The mixed doubles victory also produced another landmark moment for Indian squash.

Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar defeated the Philippines’ David Pelino and Jemyca Aribado 11-3, 11-5 in their quarterfinal, needing less than half an hour to seal their place in the semifinals.

They will meet Hong Kong’s Yo Ka Lee and Ming Hong Tang on Saturday.

For Joshna, the result guarantees a sixth Asian Games medal – an achievement that adds another chapter to an already remarkable continental career.

The 40-year-old, who turned 40 only 10 days ago, is competing at her seventh successive Asian Games, having first represented India at the 2002 Busan Games. She has now surpassed former Indian squash star Saurav Ghosal’s record of six Asian Games appearances.

Her existing medal collection includes two silver and three bronze medals, with medals won across the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.

Joshna reflects on remarkable longevity

Joshna’s seventh Asian Games appearance has come as something of a surprise even to herself.

“Never thought I would play seven Asian Games,” the veteran squash star said, reflecting on a career that has continued well beyond the point at which many athletes step away from elite competition.

She credited her longevity to the support around her, particularly a dedicated team that manages the demands of training, nutrition and recovery.

For now, though, the focus remains firmly on the competition.

With Anahat and Abhay still in contention for singles gold and Joshna and Velavan through to the mixed doubles semifinals, India’s squash contingent has given itself a strong platform to add to the country’s medal tally.

And with Olympic qualification also at stake in the singles events, the next two days could carry significance well beyond the Asian Games.