Abhay, Veer and Anahat Secure Direct Qualification for Asian Games

The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) has outlined the selection criteria for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, confirming that Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani and Anahat Singh have earned direct selection into the Indian squad owing to their PSA world rankings.

With all three players ranked inside the top 50 of the PSA World Rankings, they satisfy the federation’s automatic qualification requirements and will represent India at the continental showpiece in Japan later this year.

The announcement also effectively confirms that Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani will occupy India’s two men’s singles spots at the Asian Games, while Anahat Singh has secured one of the women’s singles berths.

Meanwhile, the battle for the remaining places in the Indian contingent is underway, with selection trials beginning in Chennai to determine the rest of the squad.

According to the SRFI’s published selection policy, the top two Indian men and top two Indian women in the PSA World Rankings will qualify directly for the Asian Games, provided they are ranked inside the top 50 on the prescribed cut-off date and satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani comfortably met those conditions on the men’s side, while teenage sensation Anahat Singh also secured automatic qualification thanks to her impressive rise in the women’s rankings. Their direct inclusion eliminates any uncertainty regarding India’s leading singles representatives and allows them to focus entirely on preparing for the Games.

While the direct qualifiers have been confirmed, the remaining positions in the Indian squad are still up for grabs. The SRFI has commenced selection trials in Chennai to determine the third and fourth members of the men’s and women’s teams, who will play crucial roles in the team events and could also feature in mixed doubles depending on tactical requirements.

Players invited to the trials include quarterfinalists from the National Championships, while the federation also reserves the right to invite additional athletes it considers capable of representing India at the Asian Games.

The selection committee will evaluate performances during the trials before finalising the contingent.

Team Composition for the Asian Games

The Asian Games squash competition allows each country to field:

• Up to two players per gender in the individual events

• Up to four players each in the men’s and women’s team events

• Up to two pairs in the mixed doubles competition

This format makes squad selection particularly important, as countries must balance individual excellence with team chemistry and medal prospects across multiple events. With Abhay and Veer already confirmed for the men’s singles, the remaining male selections will primarily strengthen India’s team event campaign and provide flexibility for doubles combinations.

Similarly, Anahat’s qualification gives India a strong foundation in the women’s competition while leaving additional spots to be decided through the ongoing trials.

The SRFI’s guidelines also clarify that mixed doubles selections will not be based solely on rankings or trial results. Instead, the federation will retain discretion in deciding pairings, considering factors such as player compatibility, tactical requirements, current form and previous performances. The primary objective will be maximising India’s medal chances rather than simply selecting the highest-ranked individuals.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/abhay-singh-2026-top-20

Given squash’s evolving format at the Asian Games, this flexibility could prove valuable in assembling combinations capable of challenging the continent’s strongest nations.

Automatic qualification does not completely remove scrutiny for selected athletes. The federation’s policy states that players must continue to satisfy medical fitness requirements, comply with anti-doping regulations and remain in good standing with governing bodies. Athletes unable to demonstrate sufficient match fitness because of injury, illness or prolonged absence may be required to undergo additional assessments before their selection is confirmed.

Mandatory attendance at the designated training camp and adherence to discipline standards also form part of the eligibility framework.

India has emerged as one of Asia’s leading squash nations over the past decade, consistently producing world-class players capable of competing at the highest level. The direct qualification of Abhay Singh, Veer Chotrani and Anahat Singh reflects the country’s growing depth and the increasing presence of Indian players among the PSA rankings. Anahat, in particular, continues to establish herself as one of the brightest young talents in world squash, while Abhay and Veer have become reliable performers on the professional circuit.

With the Chennai trials now underway, attention will shift to identifying the remaining members who can complement the already-qualified trio and strengthen India’s medal prospects.

As preparations intensify for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the early confirmation of key singles players provides stability and allows the Indian contingent to build combinations and strategies well ahead of the competition.

Inputs from Navin Sports on X