Bhubaneswar: India’s rising squash star Abhay Singh is setting his sights higher than ever. Less than a year away from a potential Asian Games rematch with Pakistan, the 26-year-old Chennai player is intent on strengthening his international reputation after a series of impressive performances on the global stage.
Singh, who played a pivotal role in India’s gold medal triumph at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, has been in fine form this season. His defining moment came at the Qatar Classic, where he stunned world No. 5 Karim Abdel Gawad, the 2016 world champion. That breakthrough victory not only boosted his confidence but also underlined his growing stature in world squash.
“I’ve always believed I can compete with the best,” Singh said recently. “Now it’s about doing it consistently — not just one big win, but making sure I’m in the later rounds of major events.”
Currently India’s highest-ranked player on the PSA circuit, Singh has been making steady progress through the international ranks. His training base abroad, under the guidance of top mentors including former world No. 1 James Willstrop, has helped him refine both his physical and mental approach. “I don’t want to be at tournaments just to play the first round anymore,” he added. “I want to challenge the very top players regularly.”
But the looming shadow of the India–Pakistan rivalry still lingers. At the Hangzhou Asian Games final, Singh famously sealed India’s gold by defeating Pakistan’s Noor Zaman in a tense decider, delivering one of the most dramatic finishes of the competition. Earlier this year, Singh and his doubles partner Velavan Senthilkumar again edged out a Pakistani duo in an 88-minute marathon to win the Asian Squash Doubles Championship, proving that the rivalry remains as fierce as ever.
Despite the hype surrounding future clashes, Singh insists his eyes are on the bigger picture. “Beating Pakistan is always special, but my main goal is to move up the world rankings and make India proud on the global stage,” he said.
With the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on the horizon, Abhay Singh’s path is clear — fewer distractions, more consistency, and a relentless push toward joining squash’s elite. If his recent performances are any indication, India might once again count on its calm and confident champion to deliver when it matters most.
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