NEW DELHI: Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh produced the biggest victory of her career, fighting back from two games down to defeat Japan’s world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe and storm into the women’s singles final at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday. The 18-year-old is now just one win away from a historic gold medal and a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut.The world No. 17 Indian, playing in front of a home crowd supporting Watanabe, showed extraordinary resilience to prevail 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3 in a gripping five-game semifinal at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Anahat’s victory also avenged her earlier five-game defeat to the Japanese star this year.The stakes could hardly be higher. The Asian Games singles competitions serve as the Asian continental qualification event for the LA Olympics, giving Anahat an opportunity to secure a place at squash’s first appearance on the Olympic programme.
Anahat saves two match points to turn the contest around
Anahat’s route to the final was anything but straightforward. Watanabe, the home favourite, used her variations, changes of pace and sharp angles to take the opening two games, leaving the Indian with a daunting challenge.The teenager, however, refused to surrender. Trailing 8-10 in the third game, she saved two match points before fighting back to win 12-10 and keep her hopes alive.Asian Games Full Coverage | Medal Tally | ScheduleThe contest also featured an unfortunate collision between the two players. As Anahat attempted to retrieve a ball, her head collided with Watanabe’s shoulder, prompting a brief stoppage for medical attention. After receiving treatment, the Indian returned to the court and continued her fightback.With the momentum swinging her way, Anahat dominated the fourth game, winning it 11-6 to level the match at 2-2. In the deciding game, she was in complete control, attacking confidently and denying Watanabe an opportunity to recover. Anahat raced to an 11-3 win to complete a remarkable comeback and book her place in the final.The victory marks a significant milestone in the young Indian’s career, as she now has an opportunity to win the Asian Games title and take a major step towards the Olympic stage.
Historic gold and Olympic qualification within reach
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, the Asian Games singles events carry added significance. The continental competition provides a qualification pathway for Asian players, placing Anahat on the brink of a potentially historic achievement.The Indian teenager’s final appearance also offers her an opportunity to build on the progress she has made on the international circuit. Having overcome one of the tournament’s leading contenders in her own backyard, she will now look to carry that momentum into the gold-medal match.Earlier in the day, India’s Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar had to settle for bronze in the mixed doubles after losing a closely fought semifinal against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi.The Indian pair went down 10-11, 11-2, 10-11 in an intense three-game contest. After narrowly losing the opening game, Joshna and Velavan responded emphatically to take the second, but Hong Kong held their nerve in the deciding game to reach the final.Anahat’s victory, however, ensured that India’s hopes of a squash gold remained alive, with the teenager now one match away from adding a landmark title to her growing list of achievements.
