Asian Games 2026: India's women's squash team settles for Bronze
India's women's squash team clinches a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 after a hard-fought semifinal battle against Hong Kong.
The Indian women's squash team secured a Bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026 following a high-octane semifinal clash against Hong Kong in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Despite moments of brilliance and intense rallies, India fell short in a 1-2 thriller, ending their pursuit of the gold.
Anahat's early dominance met with a Hong Kong comeback
The semifinal began with a surge of energy from Anahat, who appeared to be on the verge of putting India in a commanding position. She displayed immense composure in the opening game, navigating a tense moment at 8-7 to clinch the first set 11-9. Anahat maintained this momentum in the second game, staying steady during an 8-8 deadlock before scoring three consecutive points to take the set 11-8, moving India 2-0 ahead in the match.
However, the tide began to turn in the third game. Hong Kong's Chan mounted a fierce resistance as Anahat's rhythm faltered. Chan surged to an 8-4 lead and eventually took the game 11-6. Although Anahat fought back in the fourth game to lead 6-3, she could not close the deal. Despite having three match points, Chan utilized clever tactical play to level the score at 10-10. A critical stroke awarded to Chan forced the match into a decider, leaving India's hopes hanging by a thread.
Tanvi Khanna's stunning upset keeps India in the hunt
With the pressure mounting, Tanvi Khanna stepped up to deliver a masterclass in resilience. Facing Lee Ka Yi, who holds a ranking 33 places above her, Khanna staged a remarkable comeback. After losing the first game 4-11, Khanna refused to back down, fighting her way to a 13-11 win in the second set.
The momentum stayed with the Indian as she edged the third game 11-9. In a dramatic fourth game, Khanna's proactive shot selection and ability to test Lee's reach proved decisive. Even when the score reached a nail-biting 11-11, Khanna held her nerve during extra time to secure a 13-11 victory, winning the match 3-1 and keeping India's medal dreams alive.
Veteran Joshna Chinappa falls in the decider
The final hope for India rested on the shoulders of veteran Joshna Chinappa, but the comeback could not be completed. Facing Ho Tze Lok, the 40-year-old Indian star struggled to match the blistering pace of the Hong Kong player, who is currently ranked world No. 39. Ho took control early, winning the first two games 11-4 and 11-7.
Chinappa showed her trademark grit in the third game, saving five match points to push the contest to the limit. However, Ho Tze Lok remained composed, clinching the final set 11-9. With this 2-1 victory, Hong Kong progressed to the final, while the Indian squad proudly takes home the Bronze medal in the women's team squash event.