India Beat Pakistan to Win Asian Doubles Squash Championships 2026; Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar Complete Historic Hat-Trick
India once again asserted its dominance on the continental squash stage as Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar defeated Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman to win the men’s doubles gold medal at the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships 2026.
The victory not only secured the championship for India but also completed a remarkable hat-trick of Asian titles for the defending champions.
After dropping the opening game, the Indian duo produced a spirited comeback to prevail 7-11, 11-7, 11-2, extending their reign as Asia’s premier men’s doubles pairing. The triumph was particularly significant as it came against Pakistan in a rematch of last year’s final, adding another memorable chapter to one of the region’s fiercest sporting rivalries.
India’s campaign was further bolstered by two bronze medals, with Joshna Chinappa and Rathika Seelan finishing third in the women’s doubles, while Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshna Chinappa also claimed bronze in the mixed doubles competition.
The final began with Pakistan’s experienced pairing of Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal taking control early. The duo played aggressively and capitalised on a few unforced errors from the Indian side to claim the first game 11-7. However, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar showed the composure and resilience that have defined their partnership over recent years.
Adjusting their tactics and increasing the pace of their attacking play, the Indian pair fought back strongly in the second game. Their improved court coverage and sharper shot selection helped them level the contest with an 11-7 victory.
With momentum firmly on their side, the defending champions dominated the deciding game. They raced through the third game 11-2, leaving the Pakistani pair with little opportunity to recover and sealing another continental crown in emphatic fashion.
The victory cements Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar’s status as one of the most successful doubles combinations in Asian squash. Winning three consecutive Asian Championships is a rare feat and reflects the consistency, chemistry and tactical understanding the pair have developed over time. Their ability to recover after losing the opening game in the final further highlighted the mental toughness that has made them so successful on the continental stage.
Successfully defending their title against quality opposition also reinforces India’s position as one of Asia’s leading squash nations.
Matches between India and Pakistan often carry added intensity, and this final was no exception. Pakistan entered the title clash after an impressive tournament in which Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal defeated strong opposition from South Korea and Malaysia before booking their place in the championship match.
For India, overcoming the Pakistani duo in such convincing fashion after losing the first game made the victory even sweeter. The comeback showcased the champions’ ability to adapt under pressure and deliver when it mattered most.
The final scoreline of 7-11, 11-7, 11-2 underlined the dominance India established once it settled into the contest.
While the men’s doubles gold grabbed the headlines, India also enjoyed success in the other categories. Veteran star Joshna Chinappa partnered Rathika Seelan to secure a bronze medal in the women’s doubles competition after reaching the semifinals. Joshna then returned to the court in the mixed doubles event alongside Velavan Senthilkumar, with the pair also finishing with a bronze medal after another semifinal appearance.
The two podium finishes highlighted Joshna’s continued importance to Indian squash and demonstrated the depth within the country’s doubles programme.
India’s overall performance at the championships reflects the sustained progress of its squash ecosystem in recent years. The continued success of Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar provides a benchmark for younger players while reinforcing India’s reputation as a force in Asian doubles competition. Their tactical discipline, communication and ability to perform under pressure have consistently set them apart from rival pairs.
At the same time, podium finishes in the women’s and mixed doubles events indicate that Indian squash is developing across multiple disciplines rather than relying on isolated success stories.
Winning another Asian title will provide a significant confidence boost as Indian players prepare for upcoming international tournaments and major multi-sport events. The experience gained from high-pressure matches against top continental rivals is invaluable, particularly in doubles formats where coordination and strategic execution play an equally important role as technical ability.
For Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar, the latest triumph adds another prestigious chapter to an already impressive partnership and establishes them as one of the most decorated doubles teams in the history of Asian squash.
The 2026 Asian Doubles Squash Championships will be remembered fondly from an Indian perspective. The headline achievement was undoubtedly the men’s doubles gold, with Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar overcoming Pakistan in dramatic fashion to complete a historic hat-trick of continental titles. Combined with the bronze medals won by Joshna Chinappa and Rathika Seelan in the women’s doubles and Joshna alongside Velavan in the mixed doubles, India leaves the tournament with multiple podium finishes and renewed confidence.
Most importantly, the victory over Pakistan in the final once again demonstrated India’s strength on the Asian stage and reaffirmed that the nation’s squash programme continues to set the benchmark in continental doubles competition.
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