Anahat Singh celebrates after scripting one of India’s biggest Asian Games squash comebacks. (Img: Pinterest)
Aichi Nagoya: India’s sporting campaign at the Asian Games 2026 witnessed a memorable surge as young stars and experienced champions delivered major performances across squash and badminton. The biggest spotlight belonged to 18-year-old Anahat Singh, who scripted a dramatic comeback victory against Japan’s world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe to enter the women’s singles squash final.
Anahat’s victory became one of the biggest talking points of the Games after she recovered from two games down and saved two match points before defeating the Japanese star in a five-game thriller. The win moved the Indian teenager within one victory of a historic Asian Games gold medal and strengthened India’s hopes in squash’s Olympic era. ([NDTV Sports][1])
The celebrations grew bigger as Abhay Singh delivered another dominant performance, defeating Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan to reach the men’s singles squash final. His victory ensured that India will have representation in both men’s and women’s singles gold medal matches.
India’s squash campaign has emerged as one of the biggest success stories of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with multiple players fighting for medals across categories. ([The Times of India][2])
## Anahat Singh’s Stunning Comeback Against World No. 6
The women’s singles semifinal between Anahat Singh and Satomi Watanabe produced one of the most dramatic moments of India’s Asian Games campaign.
The Japanese player started strongly, using her experience, tactical variations and sharp attacking play to take control of the contest. Watanabe won the first two games and placed Anahat under immense pressure.
However, the Indian teenager showed extraordinary mental strength when the match reached its most critical stage.
Trailing 8-10 in the third game, Anahat faced two match points and was close to elimination. Instead of losing control, she fought back brilliantly, saved both match points and turned the game around to win 12-10.
That comeback completely changed the momentum of the semifinal.
Anahat began controlling rallies, attacking with confidence and putting pressure on Watanabe. She eventually completed a stunning 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3 victory.
The win also helped Anahat overcome her earlier five-game defeat against the Japanese star.
## Injury Scare Could Not Stop India’s Teenage Sensation
The semifinal also witnessed a tense moment when Anahat collided with Watanabe during a rally while attempting to retrieve the ball.
After receiving medical attention, the Indian player returned to the court and continued her fightback.
The moment highlighted Anahat’s determination and composure under pressure, qualities that have made her one of India’s most exciting young sporting talents.
At just 18 years old, she has already established herself as a major name in international squash.
## Abhay Singh Powers Into Men’s Squash Final
India’s golden hopes received another major boost when Abhay Singh produced a commanding performance in the men’s singles semifinal.
The Asian Championships gold medallist dominated Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan and secured a straight-games victory to enter the final.
Abhay controlled the match with aggressive stroke play, strong movement and tactical discipline. His performance confirmed India’s presence in both squash singles finals at the Asian Games.
The achievement marks another important milestone for Indian squash, which has been steadily producing athletes capable of challenging international opponents. ([NDTV Sports][1])
## Joshna Chinappa And Velavan Senthilkumar Add Bronze Glory
India’s squash success was not limited to singles events.
Veteran player Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the mixed doubles competition after narrowly missing a place in the final.
The Indian pair fought through a high-pressure semifinal against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi. The match featured long rallies, intense exchanges and a dramatic deciding game.
Despite the defeat, Joshna added another major achievement to her remarkable Asian Games career. Competing in her seventh Asian Games, she continued to showcase her experience and longevity at the highest level. ([The Times of India][2])
## PV Sindhu Continues India’s Badminton Medal Hopes
While squash created headlines, badminton star PV Sindhu remained another major attraction for Indian fans at the Asian Games.
The two-time Asian Games medallist defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-chian 21-14, 21-14 to advance further in the women’s singles competition.
Sindhu’s presence continues to bring experience and confidence to India’s badminton campaign. With several major international medals already under her belt, expectations remain high as she aims for another strong performance on the continental stage.
## India’s Olympic Road Gets New Momentum
The performances of Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh carry additional importance because squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Success at the Asian Games could become a defining moment for Indian squash players looking to secure their place in Olympic history.
For Anahat, a gold medal would represent another landmark achievement in a rapidly rising career. For Abhay, a final appearance provides an opportunity to strengthen India’s position among Asia’s leading squash nations.
## A New Generation Meets Experience
India’s Asian Games campaign reflects a combination of youth, experience and consistency.
Anahat Singh represents the rise of a new generation of Indian athletes, Abhay Singh continues India’s squash success story, Joshna Chinappa brings years of international experience, while PV Sindhu remains one of the country’s biggest sporting icons.
Together, these performances have created one of India’s most exciting medal campaigns at the Asian Games.
## What Happens Next
The focus will now shift towards the squash finals, where Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh will attempt to convert their outstanding campaigns into gold medals.
Meanwhile, PV Sindhu will continue her badminton journey as India looks for more success across multiple sporting disciplines.
With medals already secured and major finals ahead, Indian athletes are giving fans plenty of reasons to celebrate at the Asian Games 2026.
