NEW DELHI: Despite a 0-3 loss to Malaysia in their final pool B match at the Asian Games, the Indian women's squash team secured a bronze medal in the competition. Malaysia and India claimed the top two spots in their pool, guaranteeing them a spot in the semifinals, where the two losing semifinalists would also win bronze medals.
The men's team, on the other hand, blanked Nepal 3-0 in its final pool tie and progressed to the semis.
The day began with veteran squash player Joshna Chinappa facing a defeat against Subramaniam Sivasangari with a score of 6-11, 2-11, and 8-11 in just 21 minutes. In the following match, Tanvi Khanna held a 2-1 lead before succumbing to Commonwealth Games gold medalist Aifa Binti Azman with a scoreline of 9-11, 11-1, 7-11, 13-11, and 11-5.
The final league match featured 15-year-old Anahat Singh, who faced Malaysia's Rachel Mae Arnold and was defeated in straight sets with scores of 7-11, 7-11, and 12-14.
Prior to this, the Indian women's squash team had performed exceptionally well in their opening three matches, securing victories against Pakistan (3-0), Nepal (3-0), and Macau (3-0).
Despite the loss to Malaysia in the final pool match, the Indian women's squash team's earlier successes guaranteed them at least a bronze medal in the Asian Games.
In the men's team event, Abhay Singh defeated Amrit Thapa Magar 11-2, 11-4, 11-1 in 17 minutes.
In the second match, Mahesh Mangaonkar thrashed Arhant Keshar Simha 11-2, 11-3, 11-3 before Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu completed the whitewash by beating Amir Bhlon 11-1, 11-2, 11-6 in just 12 minutes.
(With PTI inputs)
