Joshna Chinappa Creates History with Seventh Asian Games Selection as India Finalises Squash Squad for Aichi-Nagoya 2026
India has officially finalised its squash squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars set to represent the country in one of the most significant editions of the continental event.
Headlining the selections is veteran Joshna Chinappa, who has etched her name into the history books by qualifying for her seventh consecutive Asian Games, becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve the feat in squash. Alongside her, rising stars Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh will lead India’s medal hopes, with the added incentive that the men’s and women’s singles champions will earn direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The squash competition at the Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, featuring medals in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s team, women’s team and mixed doubles.
One of the defining stories of India’s squad announcement is the remarkable longevity of Joshna Chinappa.
The 38-year-old secured her place by topping Group A during the national selection trials in Chennai, earning a berth in what will be her seventh straight Asian Games appearance. Her participation stretches across editions in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now 2026, underlining an extraordinary career spanning nearly a quarter of a century.
No other Indian squash player has represented the country at as many Asian Games. The achievement also places her ahead of several legendary Indian athletes in terms of appearances at the continental showpiece, reflecting not just her talent but also her exceptional consistency and fitness over the years.
For Indian squash, Joshna continues to be an enduring symbol of excellence and perseverance.
The selection process combined world rankings with trial performances. India’s highest-ranked men’s players, Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani, secured automatic qualification after maintaining positions inside the world’s top 50. Their consistent performances on the PSA Tour ensured direct entry into the national squad without the need to compete through trials.
Similarly, teenage sensation Anahat Singh, one of the brightest prospects in world squash, earned automatic qualification in the women’s category based on her international ranking.
At just 18 years old, Anahat has already established herself among India’s leading players and will be expected to spearhead the country’s medal challenge in Aichi-Nagoya.
The remaining positions were decided through competitive selection trials held in Chennai. In the men’s competition, Velavan Senthilkumar and Suraj Chand topped their respective groups to complete the four-member squad alongside Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani.
On the women’s side, Tanvi Khanna earned her place after finishing first in her group, while Shameena Riaz secured the final berth following a playoff victory over Akanksha Salunkhe.
The decisive playoff ended prematurely after Salunkhe was forced to retire due to injury during the opening game, allowing Shameena to seal her place in the Asian Games team.
This edition of the Asian Games carries unprecedented significance for squash. With the sport set to make its long-awaited Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, the continental championships provide a direct pathway to the Games. The winners of the men’s and women’s singles competitions in Aichi-Nagoya will secure automatic qualification for LA28.
As a result, India’s leading players will be competing not only for Asian Games medals but also for the chance to become among the first squash athletes to book their Olympic tickets.
Among the Indian contingent, Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh are expected to be the country’s strongest contenders for direct qualification, given their recent performances and standing on the international circuit.
The final Indian squad reflects a healthy balance between seasoned campaigners and rising stars.
Men’s Squad:
Abhay Singh
Veer Chotrani
Velavan Senthilkumar
Suraj Chand
Women’s Squad:
Anahat Singh
Tanvi Khanna
Joshna Chinappa
Shameena Riaz
The presence of experienced players like Joshna provides leadership and composure, while younger athletes such as Anahat represent the future of Indian squash. Together, they offer India a realistic opportunity to compete across all five medal events.
India has steadily emerged as one of Asia’s strongest squash nations over the past two decades, producing world-class players including Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa. The 2026 Asian Games now present another opportunity to build on that legacy.
Abhay Singh enters the competition in strong form and will be looking to challenge some of Asia’s elite men’s players, while Anahat Singh’s rapid rise has made her one of the continent’s most exciting young talents.
At the same time, Joshna’s historic seventh Asian Games appearance adds an emotional dimension to India’s campaign, highlighting a career defined by resilience and sustained excellence.
With Olympic qualification on the line and medals available across multiple events, expectations will be high when India’s eight-member squad takes to the courts in Aichi-Nagoya. The blend of youth, experience and ambition could make this one of the country’s most memorable Asian Games squash campaigns yet.
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