Puri congratulates Joshna, Velavan on Asian Games squash bronze

Key Takeaways

Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar won the Bronze Medal in Mixed Doubles Squash at Asian Games 2026 .

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri publicly congratulated the duo on Saturday, September 26, 2026 .

Joshna Chinappa is a veteran Indian squash player with a history of Asian Games appearances.

The bronze adds to India's mixed doubles squash presence at the quadrennial continental games.

The achievement highlights India's growing depth across squash disciplines beyond singles competition.

Indian squash just added another chapter to its Asian Games story. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday, September 26, 2026, extended his congratulations to Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar after the pair claimed the Bronze Medal in Mixed Doubles Squash at the Asian Games 2026.

Posting on X, Minister Puri wrote: 'Heartiest congratulations to Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar on winning the Bronze Medal in Mixed Doubles Squash at the #AsianGames2026! A proud moment for Indian squash. Well played, Joshna and Velavan! You have made the nation proud!' Joshna Chinappa is one of India's most decorated squash players, a veteran of multiple Asian Games campaigns who has long been the face of the sport in the country. Velavan Senthilkumar has been a consistent presence on the national circuit, and the two coming together in the mixed doubles format underlines the depth India is now building across squash's disciplines — not just singles. Squash has steadily grown its profile at the Asian Games, serving as one of the few international multi-sport stages where India competes across both individual and team formats. A mixed doubles bronze at this level is not just a podium finish — it is a signal that Indian squash is widening its medal opportunities beyond its traditional strengths. Ministers routinely congratulate athletes on international podiums, but the acknowledgement from a senior cabinet figure keeps these achievements visible in a media landscape that can quickly move on. For Chinappa and Senthilkumar, the recognition caps a partnership performance that will be remembered as part of India's Asian Games 2026 campaign.

Point of View

And Puri's post fits neatly into that pattern of high-visibility official recognition. For squash — a sport that rarely commands prime-time attention — ministerial congratulations serve a practical purpose: keeping the discipline in the national conversation. The mixed doubles bronze also points to a broadening of India's squash strategy, moving beyond reliance on a single format or star player. If this signals deeper institutional investment in the sport, the next Asian Games cycle could yield even stronger returns.

NationPress

26 Sept 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Mixed Doubles Squash bronze at Asian Games 2026?

Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar won the Bronze Medal in Mixed Doubles Squash at the Asian Games 2026, representing India.

Who is Joshna Chinappa?

Joshna Chinappa is one of India's most prominent professional squash players, known for representing the country at multiple Asian Games and international tournaments.

Who is Velavan Senthilkumar?

Velavan Senthilkumar is an Indian squash player who competes at national and international levels, including at the Asian Games.

What did Hardeep Singh Puri say about the squash medal?

Minister Puri called it 'a proud moment for Indian squash' and congratulated Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar, saying they had 'made the nation proud'.

How has India performed in squash at the Asian Games?

India has participated in squash at multiple editions of the Asian Games, competing across individual and team formats, with the mixed doubles bronze at 2026 marking another milestone for the sport in the country.