Abhay Singh Wins Silver in Men’s Singles Squash at Asian Games 2026

Abhay Singh secured a silver medal in the men’s singles squash event at the Asian Games 2026, becoming only the second Indian to finish runner-up in the event after Saurav Ghosal.

The 28-year-old Indian’s impressive campaign ended with a 0-3 defeat to defending champion Ng Eain Yow of Malaysia, who prevailed 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 in the final. Despite the defeat, the silver represents a landmark achievement for Abhay, who secured his first Asian Games singles medal. He had previously won a mixed doubles bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago.

The final began with lengthy rallies as both players looked to establish control. Eain Yow entered the contest with the advantage of a 4-0 head-to-head record against Abhay on the PSA Tour, while the Malaysian was also the defending Asian Games champion.

Abhay, however, showed no signs of being intimidated. The Indian initially stayed close as the players traded points. Eain Yow gradually opened a 6-3 lead, but Abhay responded by varying the pace of his shots and reducing the deficit.

The Indian moved within one point at 6-5 and again at 8-7. At 8-8, Abhay produced a strong sequence to level the game, using a mixture of short and long shots to test the Malaysian. A well-executed wrist flick helped him win another point and keep the opening game finely balanced.

Eain Yow, however, remained composed during the decisive exchanges. The Malaysian earned two game points. Abhay saved one through a stroke, but Eain Yow held his nerve to take the opening game 11-9.

Malaysian Champion Gains Control

The second game initially remained competitive, with both players producing inventive attacking shots. Eain Yow moved ahead 3-2 and then extended his advantage to 4-2 after Abhay's backhand hit the board. The Malaysian increasingly began to dictate the longer rallies. Abhay continued to search for openings, but Eain Yow's retrieval ability allowed him to absorb the Indian's attacking attempts and keep the rallies going.

The Malaysian established a 9-4 advantage and appeared increasingly comfortable. Abhay struggled to find a consistent response as Eain Yow repeatedly answered his shots and won the important points. The defending champion eventually earned five game points and converted the opportunity after Abhay hit the low board.

Eain Yow won the second game 11-5, moving two games ahead and putting himself within one game of retaining his Asian Games title.

The third game began with Abhay looking to change the momentum. The Indian produced a superb backhand volley early on and moved into a 3-1 lead, giving himself an opportunity to extend the match. But Eain Yow quickly levelled at 4-4.

The Malaysian's ability to retrieve consistently again became a major factor. Abhay attempted to vary the pace and angles, but Eain Yow repeatedly found answers. As the game progressed, Abhay began to show signs of fatigue after the demanding rallies. The Malaysian moved further ahead, while the Indian found it increasingly difficult to maintain the same consistency.

Eain Yow eventually opened a four-point advantage and moved towards the finish. Abhay continued fighting, but the Malaysian's control of the crucial rallies proved decisive. Eain Yow closed out the third game 11-5, completing a 11-9, 11-5, 11-5 victory.

Abhay Joins Saurav Ghosal as Indian Men's Singles Finalist

Although the final ended in defeat, Abhay's silver medal places him in a select group of Indian squash players to reach the men's singles final at the Asian Games. He becomes only the second Indian to finish runner-up in the event after Saurav Ghosal. Abhay's achievement is also significant because this is his first Asian Games singles medal. His previous Asian Games podium finish came in mixed doubles, where he won bronze at Hangzhou.

His run to the final also continued India's strong tradition in men's singles squash at the Asian Games. For much of the final, Abhay was able to challenge Eain Yow, particularly in the opening game, where the Indian recovered from 6-3 and 8-7 deficits to level the contest at 8-8.

Ultimately, however, the defending champion's experience and consistency proved decisive.

Abhay's silver adds another medal to India's successful squash campaign at the Asian Games 2026. The Indian men's singles player had already secured his place in the final after defeating Pakistan's Muhammad Irfan in the semifinal, while Anahat Singh had also reached the women's singles final.

Abhay's journey from the knockout rounds to the gold-medal match ensured that India continued its presence at the top end of the Asian Games men's singles competition. The final may have ended with Eain Yow retaining his title, but Abhay leaves the competition with a major milestone.

At 28, he has now added an Asian Games singles silver to his mixed doubles bronze and joined Saurav Ghosal as an Indian men's singles finalist.

For Abhay Singh, the silver medal marks the biggest singles achievement of his Asian Games career and another important moment in the continuing growth of Indian squash.