Anahat Singh ahead of Asian Games 2026 squash semifinals: Will be grateful if I can better medal colour

India’s Anahat Singh competes in the women’s singles quarterfinals against India's Tanvi Khanna at the ongoing Asian Games 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh is looking to draw from the experience of her closely-contested 2-3 loss to World No. 6 Satomi Watanabe in January when she takes on the home favourite in the women’s singles semifinals of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.

World No. 17 and reigning world junior champion Anahat beat compatriot Tanvi Khanna in straight games in the quarterfinals to assure India of at least a bronze medal.

Abhay Singh in men’s singles and the mixed doubles pair of Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa have also qualified for the semifinals in their respective sections, adding two more assured bronze.

“I’m honestly really looking forward to it. I played her in January and we had a close 2-3. I’ve watched that match numerous times and I’ve learned a lot from it,” she told SRFI media of her lone career meeting against Watanabe at the Sprott Tournament of Champions in New York.

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“Hopefully I can take that (lessons) along with me, make those changes tomorrow and turn the match,” Anahat added.

Speaking about her Asian Games singles experience, the teenager said, “I’m really happy that I was able to win today and secure a medal. I remember the last Games I was watching the individual event, I was just in awe of everyone playing. Just getting a chance to participate here and get a medal as well is something that I am really happy about.

“Going into the match tomorrow as well, trying to pick it up from a bronze to possibly a silver and gold would be something that I’d be really grateful for,” she concluded.

Abhay Singh will meet Pakistan’s Irfan Muhammed and Senthilkumar-Joshna will take on Hong Kong’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong in the semifinals.