India assured of squash medals after quarterfinal wins at Asian Games

India’s men’s and women’s squash teams secured semifinal berths at the Asian Games in Nagoya on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, guaranteeing themselves medals after wins in the quarterfinals.

The men, who entered the tournament as top seeds and defending champions, defeated Kuwait 2-0 in their quarterfinal tie, while the women, led by Anahat Singh, overcame Singapore 2-0 to advance. India had progressed from Pool C by beating China and Japan before blanking Iran 3-0 in their final group-stage match on Tuesday.

Veer Chotrani needed 34 minutes to get past Bader Almogghrebi 12-10, 8-11, 11-0, 11-5 in the men’s quarterfinal, a match in which he “had to dig deep” before prevailing. Abhay Singh, India’s highest ranked player and the singles silver medallist, wrapped up the tie with an 11-3, 11-4, 11-8 victory over Ammar Altamimi.

After the match, Chotrani said he did not play up to his potential against Kuwait. “I didn’t have the best day, I didn’t play my best squash at all. Tomorrow is a new day, and I will hopefully be better tomorrow (for the semifinal)," he said. "“Of course, Abhay was really strong (today). Tomorrow we have to play as a team, support each other. It’s not going to be easy. Most likely we will draw to play Malaysia, so it’s going to be tough in all three matches. We will just give it our best.”

In the women’s quarterfinals, Tanvi Khanna opened the tie with a 11-6, 4-11, 15-13, 11-1 win over Au Yeong Wai Iynn in a 32-minute contest. Eighteen-year-old Anahat Singh, who bagged a silver in the individual event, then completed the 2-0 victory by beating Au Yeong Wai Yhann 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 in 22 minutes, with veteran Joshna Chinappa not required to take the court.

Both Indian teams will play their semifinals on Thursday, with the women drawn to face Hong Kong and the men set to meet Malaysia.