Anahat and Abhay Singh reach squash semi-finals at Asian Games 2026

Indian squash players Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh advanced to the women’s and men’s singles semi-finals respectively at the Asian Games 2026 after winning their quarter-final matches in straight games on Friday.

The 18-year-old Anahat defeated fellow Indian Tanvi Khanna 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-3) in 15 minutes. She dominated from the start, winning the first game 11-2 with precise drop shots. Tanvi was unable to counter Anahat’s fast and flat attacking play, who maintained pressure to secure the second game 11-5 despite a late rally. Anahat closed out the match with an 11-3 win in the third game.

In the semi-finals, Anahat will face Japan’s Satomi Watanabe, currently ranked world No. 6 and a bronze medallist at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. The two players have met once before, with Anahat initially leading 2-0 before Watanabe adjusted her tactics to win 3-2.

On the men’s side, Abhay Singh reached the semi-finals with a 3-0 (11-4, 11-3, 11-6) victory over Japan’s Ryunosuke Tsukue in 30 minutes. Abhay controlled the match from the beginning, denying Tsukue any momentum.

Abhay could face fellow Indian Veer Chotrani in the semi-final, pending Chotrani’s quarter-final result against Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan. An all-Indian semi-final in the men’s singles would guarantee India at least a silver medal.

India has already confirmed multiple medals in squash at the Games. Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar progressed to the mixed doubles semi-finals after defeating the Philippines’ David Pelino and Jemcya Aribado in the quarter-final.

India’s delegation enjoyed a successful day across various sports. In shooting, Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, while Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Rudrankksh Patil and Niraj Kumar claimed silver in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event.

In table tennis, Diya Chitale and Manush Shah reached the mixed doubles semi-finals, ensuring a medal, with Yashaswini Ghorpade advancing in the women’s singles. The Indian women’s kabaddi team entered the final by defeating Nepal. The women’s hockey team secured a 3-1 victory over Japan in Pool B.

Swimmers Sajan Prakash, Rishabh Das and Utkarsh Patil progressed to their respective finals. Badminton players Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto and Unnati Hooda also recorded wins.

India endured eliminations in fencing, canoe sprint and some swimming events, with the women’s kayak four finishing eighth. In heptathlon, Anamika Aneesh and Pooja placed seventh and ninth respectively. India’s Pokémon Unite esports team lost 0-2 to South Korea.

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