Asian Games Squash Bronze
India Secures Bronze Medals in Men and Women Squash at Asian Games
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Key Points
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India finished its squash campaign with two singles silver medals, two team bronze medals and a bronze in mixed doubles.
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Joshna Chinappa said she was disappointed but proud of her team’s effort, and the 40-year-old set a record for appearing in the most Asian Games editions among Indian athletes.
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Pakistan’s place in the final guaranteed it at least silver and gave the team a chance to win its first Asian Games men’s team gold since 2010; the final berth followed a quarter-final win over South Korea.
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Hong Kong’s men secured bronze after their semifinal loss to Pakistan; with no third-place playoff, the team was also set to receive HK$500,000 through the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme.
India's squash teams fell short of gold at the Nagoya Asian Games, settling for bronze in both men's and women's team events after losing their semifinals 1-2 to Malaysia and Hong Kong, respectively. NDTV Profit reported that the defending men's champions couldn't repeat their title after critical losses in the deciding matches, while the women's team saw veteran Joshna Chinappa lose the final tie despite a strong overall campaign.
Despite the team disappointment, India finished its squash campaign with an impressive five-medal haul: two silver medals in singles events and three bronze medals across mixed doubles and team competitions. India Today noted that 40-year-old Joshna Chinappa set a record for appearing in the most Asian Games editions among Indian athletes, competing in her seventh consecutive Games.
Men's Team Falls to Malaysia in Deciding Match
India's defending champion men's team lost 1-2 to Malaysia in their semifinal at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. InShorts reported that Veer Chotrani won his match 3-0 against Malaysia's Sanjay Jeeva, but Velavan Senthilkumar lost the deciding match 1-3 to Ameeshenraj Chandaran. The loss ended India's hopes to repeat their gold medal from the Hangzhou Games.
Velavan's defeat proved costly. After winning his first game 12-10, he dropped the next three games in succession, unable to recover from the early momentum swing. Economic Times confirmed the 1-2 semifinal score, highlighting how India's inability to close out decisive matches cost them a gold-medal appearance.
Women's Team Struggles With Missed Opportunities
India's women's team also lost 1-2 to Hong Kong in their semifinal. Young star Anahat Singh lost her opening match after a heartbreaking five-game battle, squandering four match points before falling 2-3 to Sin Yuk Chan. The Bridge noted that Tanvi Khanna rallied to win her match 3-1 against Lee Ka Yi, but Joshna Chinappa lost the deciding tie to Tomato Ho, ending India's medal hopes.
Chinappa expressed disappointment at the loss but remained proud of the team's overall effort. The veteran's appearance at her seventh Asian Games set a new Indian record for most consecutive Games appearances across all sports, surpassing the previous mark in her own sport.
Pakistan Advances to Men's Final With Hong Kong Bronze
Pakistan's men's team secured at least a silver medal by defeating Hong Kong 2-1 in their semifinal, reaching the final for a chance at their first Asian Games men's team gold since 2010. This victory followed Pakistan's quarter-final win over South Korea. Hong Kong's men locked in bronze after their semifinal loss to Pakistan, with no third-place playoff needed.
Hong Kong's bronze medal finish came with financial reward. The Bridge reported that the team qualified for HK$500,000 through the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme. Meanwhile, India's squash campaign ended with two team bronzes alongside two singles silver medals and one mixed doubles bronze medal.
Young Talent Emerges as New Generation Takes Shape
India's squash future showed promise despite the team bronze finish. Eighteen-year-old Anahat Singh claimed a silver medal in women's singles before her tough semifinal loss. Debutant Veer Chotrani delivered India's only win in the men's semifinal, defeating Malaysia's Sanjay Jeeva 3-0 with dominant play. Abhay Singh also secured silver in men's singles.
The games marked a generational shift in Indian squash, with younger athletes stepping up alongside 40-year-old Chinappa. Experts noted that while India missed opportunities in the team events, the foundation of emerging talent and strong individual performances positions the squad well ahead of squash's Olympic debut at LA 2028.
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