At just 18, Anahat Singh has already etched her name into Indian squash history. The reigning Junior World Champion won the silver medal in the women’s singles event at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, becoming the first Indian woman to claim a singles silver in the competition.

Anahat’s historic run ended in the final against Malaysia’s defending champion Sivasangari Subramaniam, who secured her second consecutive Asian Games gold with an 11-4, 11-4, 11-7 victory. For Anahat, however, the silver represents another giant step in an already remarkable young career.

A Final Against a Seasoned Champion

The final proved to be a challenging battle against an experienced opponent. Sivasangari controlled the opening exchanges with aggressive attacking play and sharp rallies, taking the first game 11-4. The Malaysian continued to dictate the pace in the second game, once again winning 11-4 and putting Anahat under immense pressure.

Anahat fought hard in the third game, but Sivasangari maintained her advantage to close out the match 11-7 and successfully defend the title she won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games.

The Comeback That Made History

Anahat’s road to the final was arguably the biggest highlight of her campaign. In the semifinal, she faced Japan’s Satomi Watanabe, the World No. 6, in a dramatic contest. The teenager found herself two games down and staring at defeat after Watanabe secured match points.

But Anahat refused to give in. She saved two match points and produced a remarkable comeback to win the semifinal, becoming the first Indian to reach the women’s singles squash final at the Asian Games.

Olympic Opportunity Slips Away

The Asian Games final carried an additional significance this year. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the Asian Games singles champion receives a direct qualification quota.  Anahat’s defeat therefore meant she missed the opportunity to secure that first direct qualification spot.

Yet her silver medal sends a powerful message about the future of Indian squash.

Abhay Singh Also Wins Silver

India’s Abhay Singh also claimed silver in the men’s singles event earlier in the day. Malaysia’s defending champion Eain Yow Ng defeated him 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 to retain his Asian Games crown. Abhay became only the second Indian man, after Saurav Ghosal, to win an Asian Games singles silver. Ghosal had won silver in 2014 and 2023.

Two silver medals, two historic performances—and a new generation of Indian squash stars making their presence felt on the biggest Asian stage.