India secured the bronze medal in the men’s team squash event at the Asian Games 2026 after going down 1-2 to Malaysia in the semifinal at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena on Thursday.
India’s Abhay Singh, who won the silver medal in the men’s singles event, lost 0-3 to Malaysia’s Ng Eain Yow in the opening match. Veer Chotrani then brought India back into the contest with a straight-games victory over Sanjay Jeeva.
However, Velavan Senthilkumar was unable to complete the comeback as he lost the deciding match to Ameeshenraj Chandaran, handing Malaysia a 2-1 victory and a place in the final.
Abhay struggled to find a way past Eain Yow and went down 8-11, 8-11, 8-11 in 27 minutes. The Malaysian had earlier defeated Abhay in the men’s singles final to claim the gold medal.
With Malaysia taking an early lead, India needed a victory in the second match to stay in contention.
Veer Chotrani responded with a composed performance against Sanjay Jeeva, winning 11-4, 11-8, 11-5 to level the tie at 1-1.
The deciding contest between Velavan Senthilkumar and Ameeshenraj Chandaran was closely fought.
Velavan made a strong start and edged the opening game 12-10. Chandaran, however, responded in the second game, winning 11-6 to level the match.
The Malaysian then moved ahead by taking the third game 11-8. Velavan continued to fight in the fourth, but Chandaran held his nerve in the closing stages to win 11-9 and seal Malaysia’s 2-1 victory.
The result ended India’s hopes of defending the men’s team title won at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. India had defeated Pakistan in the final at Hangzhou to claim the gold medal.
For Abhay Singh, the bronze adds to the silver medal he won in the men’s singles event in Nagoya. He had reached the singles final before losing to Malaysia’s Ng Eain Yow.
India had entered the team event after a strong showing in squash at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the country won five medals — two gold, one silver and two bronze.
Malaysia will face Pakistan in the men’s team squash final.
-IANS
