Anahat Singh storms into Asian Games squash final, secures maiden medal
Synopsis
Anahat Singh was two games down and on the brink of elimination — then she won three straight. The 18-year-old's comeback over world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe not only locks in India's first women's singles squash medal at the Asian Games but sets up a final where gold means direct entry to the LA Olympics.
Key Takeaways
Anahat Singh defeated Japan's Satomi Watanabe (world No.
6) 3-2 ( 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3 ) in the semi-final at the Asian Games, Nagoya on 26 September .
The 18-year-old recovered from 0-2 down in games to win three consecutive games and reach the women's singles squash final .
The result guarantees India a maiden women's singles squash medal at the Asian Games — at minimum a silver.
A gold medal in the final would secure Anahat direct qualification for the LA Olympics .
Anahat previously won bronze with India's women's and mixed squash teams at the previous Asian Games, but this is her first individual final.
Anahat Singh produced one of the tournament's most extraordinary comebacks at the Asian Games in Nagoya on 26 September, defeating world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe of Japan 3-2 (9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3) to advance to the women's singles squash final and guarantee herself a maiden medal at the continental event. The 18-year-old Indian recovered from a two-game deficit to deliver a stunning display of mental resilience and racket craft.
How the Comeback Unfolded
Anahat entered the semi-final under pressure, dropping the opening two games 9-11 and 11-13 to a composed Watanabe. With her back against the wall in the third game, the teenager refused to buckle — saving crucial game balls and clawing her way back from 8-10 down to take the game 12-10 and keep her medal hopes alive.
The fourth game saw another sensational reversal. Trailing 6-8, Anahat reeled off five consecutive points to win 11-6 and level the match at 2-2, forcing a decider. In the fifth game, the momentum had decisively shifted — she was dominant, clinical, and irrepressible, winning 11-3 to seal one of the Asian Games' most impressive semi-final victories.
What the Medal Means
The win guarantees Anahat at minimum a silver medal — her first-ever individual medal at the Asian Games. Notably, this result carries implications well beyond the podium: a gold medal at the Asian Games in squash guarantees direct qualification for the LA Olympics, raising the stakes of the final significantly.
Anahat was previously part of the bronze-medal-winning women's and mixed team squads at the previous Asian Games, but this is her first singles final at the continental level — a marker of how far the youngster has progressed on the international stage.
A Turning Point in the Match
Once Watanabe dropped the third game, the psychological tide shifted entirely. Anahat grew more assertive with each rally, producing exceptional court coverage and precision under pressure. The Japanese world No. 6, who had appeared in control through the first half of the match, could not recapture that dominance in the closing stages.
What Comes Next
Anahat will return to court for the women's singles final, carrying the confidence of a player who has already proven she can win from an impossible position. Whether she converts the occasion into gold — and the Olympic qualification that comes with it — remains to be seen, but Indian squash has already secured a landmark result at these Games.
Point of View
Meaning this final carries weight that most Asian Games matches simply do not. Indian squash has punched above its weight in team formats for years; a women's singles gold at the continental level would signal a structural shift, not merely a flash performance. The pressure on the teenager in the final will be immense — and how she handles it will define the narrative of this campaign far more than the semi-final heroics.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anahat Singh and why is she significant for Indian squash?
Anahat Singh is an 18-year-old Indian squash player who has reached the women's singles final at the Asian Games in Nagoya. She was previously part of India's bronze-medal-winning women's and mixed squash teams at the previous Asian Games, and her latest result marks her first individual final at the continental level.
How did Anahat Singh win her semi-final at the Asian Games?
Anahat defeated Japan's world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe 3-2 (9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3) after losing the first two games. She saved game balls to win the third 12-10 from 8-10 down, recovered from 6-8 in the fourth to win 11-6, then dominated the decider 11-3.
What medal has Anahat Singh guaranteed at the Asian Games?
By reaching the women's singles squash final, Anahat has guaranteed herself at minimum a silver medal — her maiden individual medal at the Asian Games. She will compete for gold in the final.
Does winning gold at the Asian Games qualify Anahat for the LA Olympics?
Yes. According to reports, a gold medal in squash at the Asian Games guarantees direct entry into the LA Olympics. This makes the women's singles final especially high-stakes for Anahat Singh.
Who was Anahat Singh's opponent in the semi-final?
Anahat's opponent was Satomi Watanabe of Japan, ranked world No. 6. Watanabe won the first two games but lost momentum after the third game, with Anahat ultimately winning the match 3-2.
