Abhay Singh Leads India’s Strong Start in Asian Games Squash

India’s Squash Campaign Starts With Three Straight-Game Wins

India began its Asian Games 2026 Squash campaign on a positive note as Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani and Tanvi Khanna all moved into the Round of 16 with straight-game victories in Nagoya on Wednesday. Abhay produced the most dominant performance of the day, conceding only three points across his entire men’s singles match against Thailand’s Arkaradet Arkarahirunya. Veer also completed his assignment without dropping a game, while Tanvi controlled her women’s singles contest against South Korea’s Dami Kim. With all three Indians progressing, the opening day provided an encouraging start for the Indian squash contingent at the Games.

Abhay Singh Produces a Near-Perfect Opening

Second seed Abhay Singh wasted little time establishing his authority in the men’s singles draw. The Indian defeated Thailand’s Arkaradet Arkarahirunya 11-1, 11-0, 11-2, needing only three games to seal his place in the last 16. Abhay gave away just three points during the entire contest, maintaining control of the rallies from the opening exchanges. His performance was particularly striking because he never allowed his opponent to build any sustained momentum. For Abhay, the victory provides a strong beginning to a tournament carrying additional importance, with the men’s singles champion set to earn a direct LA 2028 Olympic qualification place, subject to the qualification criteria.

Veer Chotrani Finds His Rhythm After a Competitive Start

Veer Chotrani, seeded fourth, also progressed without losing a game, although Sri Lanka’s Shamil Wakeel provided a more competitive opening. Chotrani eventually prevailed 11-8, 11-3, 11-3 in their Round of 32 encounter. The Indian had to work harder in the first game before gaining greater control as the match progressed. Once Chotrani established his rhythm, he was able to create a comfortable advantage and close out the contest in straight games. His result means India now has two players through to the men’s singles Round of 16. Chotrani’s next challenge will provide a tougher examination as the knockout stage becomes more competitive.

Tanvi Khanna Adds Another Indian Win

The women’s draw produced another Indian victory through Tanvi Khanna, who defeated South Korea’s Dami Kim 11-5, 11-7, 11-5. The seventh seed controlled the contest across all three games and avoided giving Kim an opportunity to extend the match. Tanvi’s victory completed a clean sweep for India among the three players who began their singles campaigns on Wednesday. Her progress is significant for an Indian squad that is looking to build on its strong record in Asian Games squash. Tanvi was also part of India’s women’s team that won bronze at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, giving her experience of the pressure associated with the continental event.

Anahat Singh Now Enters the Asian Games Squash Battle

India’s fourth singles representative, Anahat Singh, will begin her campaign in the Round of 16. The teenager, ranked 17th in the world, will face Singapore’s Au Yeong Wai Lynn. Anahat enters the competition with previous Asian Games experience, having been part of India’s bronze-medal-winning women’s team at Hangzhou. She is also the third seed in the women’s singles draw. Her presence gives India another major singles contender as the competition moves towards the quarterfinal stage. The individual events are especially important this year because the men’s and women’s singles winners will secure LA 2028 Olympic quota places, provided they meet the applicable qualification requirements.

Asian Games 2026 Squash Moves Into a Crucial Phase

The early results have given India three players in the Round of 16, but the difficulty level will rise sharply from here. The singles quarterfinals are scheduled for September 25, followed by the semifinals on September 26 and the medal matches on September 27. India’s broader squash squad also includes mixed-doubles combinations and team-event players, with team competition beginning later in the Games. India won five squash medals at Hangzhou 2023, including two golds, one silver and two bronze. Overall, Indian squash has produced 18 Asian Games medals. The Asian Games 2026 Squash campaign has therefore begun with momentum, but the biggest tests are still ahead.