Nagoya, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Anahat Singh produced a stunning comeback against Japan’s world No. 6 Satomi Watanabe to storm into the women’s singles squash final at the Asian Games, assuring herself a maiden individual medal at the continental event.
The 18-year-old Indian recovered from two games down to defeat Watanabe 9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3 in a gripping semi-final.
Anahat was under pressure after dropping the opening two games but kept herself alive in the third. She saved game points and fought back from 8-10 down to take the game 12-10, reducing the deficit to 1-2.
The Indian then produced another remarkable turnaround in the fourth game. Trailing 6-8, she reeled off five consecutive points to win 11-6 and level the contest at 2-2.
With momentum firmly on her side, Anahat dominated the decider. She raced to an 11-3 win in the fifth game to complete a remarkable comeback and secure her place in the final.
The victory guarantees Anahat at least a silver medal, with the youngster now set to compete for gold in what will be her first women’s singles medal at the Asian Games.
Once Watanabe lost the third game, Anahat grew in confidence and began finding greater control with her racket work. She pulled away decisively in the final two games to complete one of the tournament’s most impressive comebacks.
The Indian had previously been part of the bronze-medal-winning women’s and mixed teams at the previous Asian Games. She will now return to the court for the singles final, where she will look to convert her outstanding run into a gold medal.
A gold medal in the event would also secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics, adding further significance to the final.
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