Indian Players Set Up Olympic Qualifier Path at 2026 Asian Games

The 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya have given Indian squash athletes a clear route toward Olympic qualification. On September 23, Abhay Singh, Veer Chhotrani and Tanvi Khanna each secured round‑of‑32 victories, advancing to the round of 16.

Abhay Singh, the tournament’s second seed, defeated Thailand’s Arkaradet Arkarahirunya with a near‑perfect scoreline of 11‑1, 11‑2, 11‑2, losing only three points in total. Veer Chhotrani overcame a Sri Lankan opponent 11‑8, 11‑3, 11‑3, while Tanvi Khanna beat South Korea’s Dami Kim 11‑5, 11‑7, 11‑5.

With three Indian players now in the last sixteen, the spotlight shifts to 17th‑ranked Anahat Singh, who will start her campaign on Thursday against Singapore’s O Yung Wai Lin. The stakes are high: the men’s and women’s singles champions at Nagoya will earn direct entry to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will debut.

India’s early success not only fuels medal aspirations at the Asian Games but also strengthens the nation’s chances of fielding Olympic qualifiers in the sport’s historic first appearance.