Abhay Singh reaches Asian Games squash final, eyes historic gold and LA28 berth
Synopsis
Two Indians in two squash finals on the same day at the Asian Games — and the winner of each gets a direct ticket to the LA 2028 Olympics. Abhay Singh and 18-year-old Anahat Singh are one match away from making history, with India yet to win a single squash gold at the Asiad.
Key Takeaways
Abhay Singh defeated Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan 3-0 ( 11-3, 12-10, 11-6 ) to reach the Asian Games men's singles squash final in Nagoya on 26 September 2026 .
He is only the second Indian man to reach this final after Saurav Ghosal , who won silver in 2014 and 2023 .
Anahat Singh , 18 , also reached the women's final with a 3-2 comeback win over Japan's world No.
A gold medal in either final would earn the winner direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics , subject to meeting required criteria.
Abhay may face Noor Zaman of Pakistan in the final, pending the outcome of the second semifinal.
India's Abhay Singh stormed into the men's singles squash final at the Asian Games in Nagoya on 26 September 2026, defeating Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan 3-0 (11-3, 12-10, 11-6) to join compatriot Anahat Singh in the summit clash. Both Indian players are now within touching distance of Asiad gold and a direct qualification pathway to the LA 2028 Olympics.
A Historic Milestone for Indian Squash
The World No. 26 became only the second Indian man to reach the Asian Games men's singles final, following Saurav Ghosal, who claimed silver in both the 2014 and 2023 editions. The feat underscores the rapid rise of Indian squash at the continental level and raises hopes for the country's first-ever Asiad gold in the discipline.
How Abhay Sealed the Win
Abhay began with authority, dismantling Irfan in the opening game 11-3. The second game was a tighter contest — Irfan, who had earlier eliminated India's Veer Chotrani in the quarterfinals, pushed the score to 10-10 before Abhay held his nerve to close it out 12-10 and move to a 2-0 lead. The third game mirrored the first: Abhay took control early, built up four match balls, and converted the first to seal a straight-games victory.
Abhay may face another Pakistani opponent in the final, with Noor Zaman set to play Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng in the second semifinal later on Saturday.
Anahat Singh's Stunning Comeback
Anahat Singh, just 18 years old, had earlier sealed her place in the women's singles final with a remarkable 3-2 comeback win over Japan's world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe (9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3). Two games down and facing an 8-10 deficit in the third, Anahat saved game balls and clawed back to win the decider 11-3 in a display of exceptional composure under pressure.
The LA 2028 Olympics Incentive
The stakes in Sunday's gold-medal matches extend well beyond continental glory. A gold medal for either Indian player in their respective individual squash event at the Asian Games would earn them a direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics, provided they meet all required criteria. This dual incentive — Asiad gold and an Olympic ticket — makes the finals among the most consequential matches in recent Indian squash history.
India has never won a squash gold at the Asian Games, making Saturday's twin finals appearances a landmark moment for the sport in the country. With both players in peak form, the stage is set for potentially the biggest day Indian squash has ever seen.
Point of View
The Asian Games squash result has direct LA 2028 consequences, raising the stakes beyond continental pride. Anahat Singh's comeback against a world No. 6 at 18 is the kind of result that rewrites a career arc, while Abhay's composure at 10-10 in the second game signals mental maturity that rankings alone do not capture. The real question now is whether Indian squash's infrastructure — coaching depth, domestic circuit, funding — can sustain this momentum beyond one remarkable Saturday in Nagoya.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Abhay Singh reach the Asian Games 2026 squash final?
Abhay Singh beat Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan 3-0 (11-3, 12-10, 11-6) in the semifinal on 26 September 2026 in Nagoya. He dominated the first and third games, and held his nerve at 10-10 to win the second game 12-10.
Who is the only other Indian man to have reached the Asian Games squash singles final?
Saurav Ghosal is the only other Indian man to have reached the Asian Games men's singles squash final. Ghosal won silver medals in both the 2014 and 2023 editions of the Asiad.
How did Anahat Singh qualify for the Asian Games squash final?
Anahat Singh beat Japan's world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe 3-2 (9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3) in a stunning comeback. The 18-year-old was two games down and trailed 8-10 in the third before fighting back to win in five games.
Will winning the Asian Games squash final qualify them for the LA 2028 Olympics?
Yes, according to reports, a gold medal in the individual squash events at the Asian Games would earn direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics, provided the players meet all required criteria. This makes both finals doubly significant.
Who could Abhay Singh face in the Asian Games squash final?
Abhay Singh could face Pakistan's Noor Zaman in the gold-medal match, depending on the outcome of the second semifinal between Zaman and Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng, scheduled for later on Saturday.
