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India Targets Elusive Squash Singles Gold at 2026 Asian Games
India is sending eight squash players to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The team wants to win more medals than it did at the previous Games.
India has won medals in squash before, but never a singles gold at the Asian Games.
Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh are among India’s strongest singles players.
Veer Chotrani and Tanvi Khanna will also compete in singles.
Joshna Chinappa will make history by appearing at her seventh Asian Games.
The players will also compete in doubles and team events.
The singles winners will qualify directly for the 2028 Olympics.
An eight-member Indian squash team will compete at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
India seeks to improve on its five-medal haul from Hangzhou 2022 and win its first singles gold.
Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh lead India’s singles challenge as the women’s third seed and men’s second seed.
Joshna Chinappa will compete in her seventh consecutive Asian Games, partnering Velavan Senthilkumar in mixed doubles.
Singles champions will earn direct qualification berths for squash’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
- Who
- An eight-member Indian squash team, including Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani, Tanvi Khanna and Joshna Chinappa.
- What
- India will compete in squash singles, mixed doubles and men’s and women’s team events while pursuing its first Asian Games singles gold.
- Where
- The Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the team traveling from Chennai.
- When
- The squash competition is scheduled for September 23 to October 2, 2026; the team is due to travel on Friday.
- Why
- India wants to improve its five-medal total from Hangzhou 2022 and secure an elusive singles gold.
Key facts
- Team size
- Eight Indian squash players
- Previous haul
- Five medals at Hangzhou 2022
- Overall squash record
- 18 Asian Games medals: three gold, four silver and 11 bronze
- Squash dates
- September 23 to October 2, 2026
- Top singles seeds
- Anahat Singh is third seed and Abhay Singh is second seed
- Historic appearance
- Joshna Chinappa will compete at her seventh consecutive Asian Games
- Olympic incentive
- The singles champions will receive direct berths for squash’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028
Quotes
Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu
India’s national squash coach and former player
“We remain realistic and respectful of the quality of opposition in Asia. Our focus is on taking one match at a time, executing our plans and ensuring that every player is fully prepared for the pressure of the Asian Games.”
thehansindia.com
“We have a strong blend of continuity and new talent in both our men’s and women’s teams, and I believe we have a very strong chance of improving on our medal tally from the last edition.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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