Abhay Singh wins squash silver at Asian Games 2026, hints at last run
Synopsis
Abhay Singh became only the second Indian man in history to win an Asian Games squash singles silver, but the gold — and the direct Los Angeles 2028 Olympic berth that came with it — went to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng. In a candid post-match moment, Abhay hinted this could be his last Asian Games, adding rare emotional weight to a sporting milestone.
Key Takeaways
Abhay Singh won a silver medal in men's singles squash at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on 27 September .
He lost the final to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng by 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 in 44 minutes .
Abhay is only the second Indian man after Saurav Ghosal to win a silver in the event.
Eain became the first squash player to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics via the Asian Games route.
Abhay hinted the 2026 Asian Games could be his last at the continental level.
He will next compete in the team event before heading to the US Open .
India's Abhay Singh clinched a silver medal in the men's singles squash event at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on Sunday, 27 September, going down to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng in a 44-minute final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. The 28-year-old Indian, reflecting on the defeat, admitted the tournament could mark his farewell to the continental showpiece.
'You never know; it could be my last, maybe not. I think I played pretty well in the first. I think we were quite toe-to-toe,' Abhay said after the match.
How the Final Unfolded
Abhay kept the contest tight in the opening game, trading points closely with the Malaysian before Eain gradually seized control. The final scoreline of 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 in favour of Eain told the story of a match that slipped away from the Indian after a competitive start. Abhay credited his opponent unreservedly: 'He put the ball in very good areas, very clean squash, and moved well. I think he was the better athlete today.'
Historic Silver, Missed Olympic Berth
With this result, Abhay became only the second Indian man after Saurav Ghosal to win a silver medal in the Asian Games men's singles squash event — a landmark achievement in the context of the sport's history in India. However, the gold medal carried a precious additional reward: a direct qualification spot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which Abhay was unable to secure. Eain, who also defeated Ghosal in the Hangzhou 2022 final, became the first squash player in history to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics through the Asian Games route, finishing the tournament without dropping a single game.
Abhay's Emotional Take on the Medal
Despite the pain of defeat, Abhay struck a measured, grateful note. 'I'm not disheartened on a bigger picture. I'm disheartened about tonight, obviously. Many people put a lot of effort into me. It's just me wanting to give back, wanting to do well,' he said. He dedicated the medal to his coaches, support staff, government sponsors, and private backers, saying the achievement belonged to the collective effort behind him. Notably, his parents — who had missed his previous Asian Games campaign — were present in Nagoya, a fact the player said made the week particularly special. 'They didn't make the last Asian Games, but I'm glad they were able to watch this week,' he added.
Salute to Government and Tamil Nadu Support
Abhay was effusive in acknowledging institutional backing, citing both the Central government and the Tamil Nadu government for transforming conditions for Indian squash. 'The respected Prime Minister has come in and changed Indian sport for the better. It's unbelievable the support squash gets. My state government of Tamil Nadu has been absolutely brilliant with me,' he said. He also noted that many in the support team behind the scenes deserve credit that rarely reaches the public eye. 'A lot of these people don't get the credit. I really hope they're proud about tonight,' he added.
What Comes Next for Abhay
Abhay will next compete in the team event at the Asian Games before taking a short break. He is then scheduled to participate in the US Open. The Olympic qualification question remains open — he will need to seek his Los Angeles 2028 berth through other pathways after narrowly missing the Games route in Nagoya.
Point of View
Leaving equally competitive athletes scrambling for alternative berths. India's squash infrastructure has clearly improved, as Abhay himself acknowledged, but converting podium finishes into Olympic appearances remains the sport's unsolved problem in the country.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medal did Abhay Singh win at the Asian Games 2026?
Abhay Singh won a silver medal in men's singles squash at the Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya on 27 September, losing the final to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng by 11-9, 11-5, 11-5. He is only the second Indian man after Saurav Ghosal to achieve this feat.
Who won the gold medal in squash at Asian Games 2026?
Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng won the gold medal, defeating Abhay Singh in the men's singles final without dropping a game throughout the tournament. Eain also beat Saurav Ghosal in the 2022 Hangzhou final, making him the dominant force in Asian squash.
Did Abhay Singh qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
No. The direct Olympic qualification spot was attached to the gold medal, which went to Eain Yow Ng, making the Malaysian the first squash player to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics through the Asian Games. Abhay will need to seek his Olympic berth through other qualifying routes.
Why did Abhay Singh say this could be his last Asian Games?
Abhay said after the final, 'You never know; it could be my last, maybe not,' reflecting on the uncertainty around his future participation at the continental showpiece. The 28-year-old did not elaborate further but acknowledged the emotional significance of the week.
What are Abhay Singh's next competitions after the Asian Games?
Abhay will first compete in the team event at the Asian Games in Nagoya before taking a short break. He is then scheduled to play at the US Open as part of his international calendar.
