Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh Win Silver at Asian Games Squash

India's rising stars fell short in the finals, handing Malaysia a clean sweep of gold and silver in both men's and women's singles.

Anahat Singh clinched a silver medal for India in the women's singles squash final on Sunday, bowing out to Malaysia's Sivasangari Subramaniam. The match wrapped up in just 27 minutes, with the Malaysian star cruising through the first two games 11‑4, 11‑4 before sealing the third 11‑7.

Abhay Singh, the 28‑year‑old male finalist, suffered a similar fate, losing to world No. 17 Ng Eain Yow in straight games – 11‑9, 11‑5, 11‑5 – and missing the coveted Olympic qualification slot that comes with the gold.

Both outcomes were reported by the Free Press Journal, which cited ESPN for the match scores. The Indian duo's silver medals lifted the country's haul to 63, comprising four golds, 13 silvers and 14 bronzes at this stage of the Games.

What the Results Mean for Indian Squash

Anahat’s run to the final marks a significant step for the 22‑year‑old, who has been touted as the next big thing in Indian squash. Her silver adds to a growing list of podium finishes that have kept India in the conversation on the continental stage.

Abhay, an Arjuna Award recipient in 2024, entered the tournament ranked 26th globally after a breakout 2026 season that saw him win the Indian Open in Mumbai and claim his third Tuanku Muhriz Trophy in Malaysia. He became only the second Indian man, after Saurav Ghosal, to reach an Asian Games singles final.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on gold, both players have secured valuable experience ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. The silver also ensures they remain in contention for future funding and sponsorship deals, which often hinge on medal performances at major multi‑sport events.

Malaysian Dominance on Display

Malaysia’s clean sweep of the top two spots in both categories points to the nation's depth in squash. Subramaniam, a seasoned campaigner, displayed the consistency that has made her a staple on the PSA circuit. Ng Eain Yow, defending his Asian Games title, showed why he is a perennial favorite, never allowing his opponents to settle into a rhythm.

Their victories also highlight the growing rivalry between the two countries, a narrative that fans are already buzzing about on social media. While Indian supporters celebrate the silvers, many are already calling for a strategic revamp to bridge the gap with their Malaysian counterparts.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks will see the Indian contingent focus on the remaining events, hoping to add more medals before the Games conclude. For Anahat and Abhay, the silver is both a badge of honor and a motivator to push harder for gold next time.

As the Asian Games continue, all eyes will be on how India’s squash program adapts, especially with the looming Olympic debut that could reshape the sport’s landscape in the subcontinent.

The story isn’t over – the next edition of the Asian Games, the 2028 Olympics, and upcoming PSA tours will all test whether today’s silver can be turned into tomorrow’s gold.