Asian Games 2023: Indian women’s squash assured of medal

Indian women’s squash team secured themselves at least a bronze despite losing against 0-3 Malaysia in their final match in Pool B at the Asian Games 2023 on Thursday.

Malaysia and India were the two table toppers in their group to make the semifinals which guaranteed them at least a bronze. In squash, the two losing semifinalists also win bronze.

India contingent comprising Anahat Singh, Joshna Chinappa, and Tanvi Khanna lost their matches in the Women’s tie against Malaysia on Thursday. India began the campaign with veteran Joshna Chinappa facing a 6-11, 2-11, 8-11 defeat to Subramaniam Sivasangari in 21 minutes.

MEDAL ASSURED- WOMEN'S SQUASH TEAM🇮🇳

India gave their all in a fierce battle against Malaysia in their Group A match which ended 0-3 in favor of Malaysia

But here's the exciting part — With 3️⃣ wins from 4️⃣ matches, #TeamIndia will play undefeated Hong Kong in the semis… pic.twitter.com/YnVfpppntb

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) September 28, 2023

Tanvi Khanna’s resilience goes in vain

However, in the second game, Tanvi Khanna showed remarkable resiliency and defeated Azman Aifa Binti, winning the opening game 11-9. The Malaysian player bounced back quickly to win the following two games to take a 2-1 match lead. At the end of the fourth game, Tanvi fought her way back to level the score at 2-2. Azman managed to overshadow Tanvi 11-5 in the fifth game to win the match and give Malaysia a 2-0 lead in the important match.

Squash: Women's Team event:

India go down to Malaysia 0-3 in their final Pool stage clash to finish 2nd in their pool

Joshna, Tanvi & Anahat lose their respective Singles matches to higher ranked players.

India are through to Semis. #IndiaAtAsianGames #AGwithIAS

— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) September 28, 2023

Despite teenager Anahat’s aggressive play in the last game, Malaysian player Rachel Arnold won the final match 14-12 to seal a 3-0 victory. The Indian was handed defeat against Arnold with a score of 7-11, 7-11, 12-14.

The Indian team will compete in a semifinal match to improve the color of their medal. The Indian team will be in action in the semifinal on Friday. It is expected that the payers will improve the color of their medals.

Earlier, India had beaten their opening three matches against Pakistan (3-0), Nepal (3-0) and Macau (3-0).