Anahat, Abhay Singh win Asian Games 2026 squash silver; Murmu leads congratulations
Synopsis
Eighteen-year-old Anahat Singh made history at the Asian Games 2026 by becoming the first Indian woman to win a singles squash medal, recovering from match points down in the semis before falling in the final. Abhay Singh's silver makes him only the second Indian man to achieve the feat — and President Murmu's tribute underlines just how significant this double milestone is for Indian squash.
Key Takeaways
Anahat Singh won the women's singles squash silver at the Asian Games 2026 , becoming the first Indian woman to win a singles squash medal at the Games.
She lost the final to Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam 4-11, 4-11, 7-11 , but produced a stunning semifinal comeback from 0-2 down, saving two match points .
Abhay Singh claimed the men's singles squash silver , losing the final to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng 9-11, 5-11, 5-11 .
Abhay is only the second Indian man to win an Asian Games singles squash silver, after Saurav Ghosal (2014, 2023).
President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated both athletes via posts on X .
Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh claimed silver medals in the women's and men's singles squash events respectively at the Asian Games 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu leading the nation's congratulations on 27 September. Anahat's medal is historic — she became the first Indian woman to win a singles squash medal at the Asian Games.
Anahat's Historic Run
The 18-year-old reigning junior world champion reached the women's singles final before losing to Malaysia's defending champion Sivasangari Subramaniam 4-11, 4-11, 7-11. Despite the final result, her silver stands as a landmark for Indian women's squash at the continental level.
Notably, Anahat produced one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks in the semifinals, recovering from 0-2 down against Japan's world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe and saving two match points before securing her berth in the final. The grit she showed in that match underscored why she is considered one of Indian squash's brightest prospects.
Abhay Follows Saurav Ghosal's Footsteps
Abhay Singh became only the second Indian man to win an Asian Games singles squash silver, following Saurav Ghosal, who claimed silver in 2014 and 2023. Abhay lost the men's singles final to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng 9-11, 5-11, 5-11. His composure and consistency throughout the tournament drew widespread praise.
What the President and Government Said
President Murmu congratulated both athletes in separate posts on X. On Anahat, she wrote: 'My warmest congratulations to Anahat Singh on winning the Silver Medal in Women's Singles Squash at the Asian Games 2026. By becoming the first Indian woman to win a singles medal in squash at the Games, you have etched your name in history. May your racquet continue to produce many more winning moments and inspire the youth.'
On Abhay, she added: 'Heartiest congratulations to Abhay Singh on winning the Silver Medal in Men's Singles Squash at the Asian Games 2026. Your composure and determination on court have contributed to this remarkable achievement. May you continue to excel in the sport.'
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also weighed in, writing: 'Proud of you, Anahat Singh! Your mettle made India proud by winning the Silver Medal in Women's Singles Squash at the #AsianGames2026. May you continue to achieve greater victories.'
Why This Matters for Indian Squash
India has historically struggled to convert squash talent into podium finishes at major continental events. Anahat's medal breaks a long-standing barrier for women's squash, while Abhay's silver places him in elite company alongside Ghosal. This comes amid growing institutional interest in racquet sports development in India, and the dual medals at a single Games could accelerate investment and junior pathway programmes. All eyes will now be on the pair as they set sights on the next international calendar.
Point of View
Meanwhile, raises the question of why Indian men's squash — talented for years — continues to fall short of gold at the Asian level, with Malaysia's dominance going largely unchallenged. The dual medals should prompt a hard look at whether India's squash infrastructure matches its talent pool.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Anahat Singh achieve at the Asian Games 2026?
Anahat Singh won the silver medal in women's singles squash at the Asian Games 2026, becoming the first Indian woman to win a singles squash medal at the Games. The 18-year-old lost the final to Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam 4-11, 4-11, 7-11.
How did Anahat Singh reach the Asian Games 2026 squash final?
Anahat reached the final with a dramatic semifinal comeback against Japan's world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe, recovering from 0-2 down and saving two match points. Her resilience in that match was widely noted as one of the tournament's standout moments.
What is Abhay Singh's significance in Asian Games squash history?
Abhay Singh became only the second Indian man to win an Asian Games singles squash silver medal, after Saurav Ghosal, who won the honour in 2014 and 2023. He lost the men's final to Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng 9-11, 5-11, 5-11.
Why did President Murmu congratulate Anahat and Abhay Singh?
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated both players via posts on X, citing their silver medals at the Asian Games 2026 as remarkable achievements for Indian squash. She specifically highlighted Anahat's historic status as the first Indian woman to win a singles squash medal at the Games.
Who else from the Indian government congratulated the squash medallists?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated Anahat Singh on X, writing: 'Proud of you, Anahat Singh! Your mettle made India proud.' Both tributes reflect the national significance attached to the double squash silver haul.
