Asian Games 2026: Joshana Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar Secure Squash Mixed Doubles Medal

Joshana Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar have secured another medal for India at the Asian Games 2026 after reaching the semifinals of the squash mixed doubles competition with a straight-games victory over the Philippines.

The Indian pair defeated David Pelino and Jemyca Aribado 11-3, 11-5 in just 21 minutes in their quarterfinal, confirming at least a bronze medal for India. The result also gives Chinappa another Asian Games medal 16 years after she won her first at the continental Games.

For the 40-year-old Chinappa, the achievement carries particular significance as she competes at the seventh Asian Games of her career.

India's mixed doubles quarterfinal against the Filipino combination of Pelino and Aribado was settled in two games, with Chinappa and Velavan controlling the contest from the outset. The Indian pair raced through the opening game 11-3, establishing an early advantage and putting their opponents under pressure. They maintained their momentum in the second game, eventually closing it out 11-5 to complete a 2-0 victory.

The match lasted only 21 minutes, underlining the efficiency with which the Indian duo navigated the quarterfinal. The victory was enough to guarantee India a place on the podium, with the mixed doubles competition now moving into the semifinal stage.

For Chinappa, the medal is another milestone in an extraordinary Asian Games career. The 40-year-old is appearing at her seventh Asian Games, and this latest podium finish comes 16 years after her first Asian Games medal. Her longevity at the highest level has now been complemented by another medal-winning campaign in a new mixed doubles partnership with Velavan.

Chinappa has been one of the most recognisable figures in Indian squash for many years, and her continued presence at major international competitions has made her a significant part of the country's squash history. At the 2026 Asian Games, she has once again reached the latter stages of the competition, this time alongside Velavan in the mixed doubles event.

Velavan and Chinappa Into the Final Four

The semifinal will provide a tougher challenge, with the Indian pair set to face Hong Kong, China's Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong. The semifinal is scheduled for tomorrow, with a place in the mixed doubles final at stake. For India, the result also ensures that the squash contingent will leave the event with another medal in the mixed doubles category. Velavan and Chinappa will now have the opportunity to progress further and challenge for the gold medal.

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Their quarterfinal performance, however, gives them a strong platform heading into the last four after they completed the match without dropping a game.

Can India Retain the Mixed Doubles Gold?

The mixed doubles medal also brings back memories of India's success in the previous edition of the Asian Games. At the last Asian Games, Dipika Pallikal and Harinder Pal Sandhu won the mixed doubles gold medal for India. With Chinappa and Velavan now through to the semifinals, the country has another opportunity to remain at the top of the podium in the event.

The Indian pair are therefore just two victories away from matching that achievement. Their immediate task, however, is the semifinal against Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong. Victory there would take Chinappa and Velavan into the gold-medal match, while defeat would leave them with the bronze medal already secured.

For Chinappa, regardless of what follows, the semifinal qualification adds another medal to a remarkable Asian Games journey. For Velavan, it represents an opportunity to claim a major continental medal alongside one of Indian squash's most experienced players.

India's mixed doubles campaign will now continue with a medal already assured and a place in the final still within reach.