Asian Games 2026: Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna Set Up All-Indian Squash Quarterfinal

India is guaranteed a place in the women’s singles squash semifinals at the Asian Games 2026, after Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna both won their Round of 16 matches to set up an all-Indian quarterfinal.

Anahat, the third seed and Junior World Champion, produced a commanding performance against Singapore’s Wai Iynn Au Yeong, winning 3-0 in just 18 minutes. Tanvi then completed the Indian double by defeating Singapore’s Wai Yhann Au Yeong, the elder sister of Anahat’s opponent, 3-1.

The results mean the two Indian players will now face each other in the quarterfinal, guaranteeing that one Indian athlete will progress to the last four.

Anahat entered the Asian Games as the third seed and one of the leading contenders in the women’s singles competition. The teenager wasted little time making an impression.

Facing Singapore’s Wai Iynn Au Yeong in the Round of 16, Anahat controlled the contest from the beginning and secured a 3-0 victory, winning 11-4, 11-5, 11-7. The match lasted only 18 minutes, underlining the Indian youngster’s command throughout the contest. The Junior World Champion now moves into the quarterfinals, where she will face a much more familiar opponent.

On the other side of the draw, Tanvi Khanna faced Wai Yhann Au Yeong, the elder sister of Anahat’s opponent. The two Singaporean sisters therefore featured in separate Round of 16 matches against the two Indian players. Tanvi had to work considerably harder for her victory.

After losing the opening game 5-11, she responded strongly and won the next three games 11-4, 11-5, 13-11 to complete a 3-1 victory. The fourth game was particularly tight, but Tanvi held her nerve to close out the contest and secure her place in the quarterfinals. That set up the all-Indian meeting that had been anticipated when the draw was announced.

The quarterfinal between Anahat and Tanvi guarantees India a representative in the women’s singles semifinals. It also ensures that the country’s two players in this section of the draw cannot both progress to the final four. Anahat arrives at the contest after a comprehensive straight-games victory, while Tanvi comes in after recovering from a first-game loss and winning three consecutive games.

The contrasting routes make for an intriguing quarterfinal. Anahat's performance against Wai Iynn was particularly emphatic, while Tanvi demonstrated her ability to respond under pressure against Wai Yhann. The two Indians will now meet with a place in the semifinals at stake.

Olympic Qualification Adds to the Stakes

The women’s singles competition carries additional significance at these Asian Games. According to the supplied information, the squash champion at the Asian Games will secure a direct berth at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. That makes every knockout match particularly important, with the title providing not only an Asian Games gold medal but also a direct Olympic opportunity. For Anahat and Tanvi, however, the immediate target is the quarterfinal.

Only one can advance.

India’s challenge in squash extends beyond the women’s singles draw. On the men’s side, Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani are among India's leading players in the competition. Abhay is the second seed, while Veer is seeded fourth. Both were scheduled to contest their respective men's singles Round of 16 matches, with Abhay facing Sri Lanka’s Ravindu Laksiri and Veer taking on Malaysia’s Sanjay Jeeva.

The men's competition therefore gives India further opportunities to progress deep into the tournament. But in the women’s draw, the focus is now firmly on the all-Indian quarterfinal.

A Guaranteed Indian Semifinalist

Anahat and Tanvi have taken different paths to reach this stage. Anahat swept past Wai Iynn in three games, while Tanvi had to recover from losing the opening game against Wai Yhann.

Now their campaigns intersect. The quarterfinal will determine which Indian player moves into the semifinal and remains in contention for the Asian Games title and the associated Olympic qualification opportunity. For Indian squash, the outcome guarantees at least one semifinalist in the women’s singles event.

For Anahat and Tanvi, though, the contest will be about advancing one more step.

Two Indians entered the Round of 16. Both won. Now, they face each other for a place in the Asian Games 2026 semifinals.