Asian Games | Learnt a lot from my individual campaign: Anahat

They were expected to be the disrupters of the Asian squash hierarchy, but Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh got a reality check on what they need to do to be regular challengers at the top.

Also Raed: Asian Games 2026 highlights on September 27

The Indians stalled in their respective singles finals — against Malaysian reigning champions Sivasangari Subramaniam and Ng Eain Yow — and admitted that they were outplayed by their opponents. “There’s a lot I have learnt from this event… I am just getting to learn how to handle being on these top stages.

“I played my match yesterday (Saturday 26, 2026), and there have not been many instances where I have come back from being down. It’s always the other way around. I am just learning how to handle the pressure of playing against more experienced players,” disappointed Anahat said.

Abhay was more candid. Initially not interested in speaking, he dismissed his silver — his first individual medal at a big event — as inconsequential. “I am disappointed with the result; it means nothing, to be really honest. I didn’t come here for silver, so there’s nothing to celebrate,” he said.

To their credit, both accepted their opponents’ superiority on the day. “He (Eain) was just better all around. Sometimes you need to put your hand up and give credit to your opponent; he deserved to win. I was short of answers, but that goes down to his abilities and how he put them forward,” Abhay admitted.

On her part, Anahat said: “There is still a lot to improve on. Not everyone realises, but even between No. 5 and 6, there is a huge difference. It’s when you are inside the court that you feel the pressure… the way she (Sivasangari) dominated, there was not much for me to do; she was incredible. I am not happy with the way I played today; I feel I could’ve done a lot better. I am going to play Sivasangari many times in the future… she’s on the PSA Tour, she’s fifth in the world and an amazing player.”