Aichi-Nagoya, 28 September (H.S.): The Indian women’s squash team continued its impressive run at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Japan 2-1 on Monday. The victory marked India’s second consecutive win after the team began its campaign with a 2-1 victory over China.

Joshna Chinappa gave India the early lead, defeating Japan’s Arisa Sano 11-1, 11-8 to put India 1-0 ahead. Anahat Singh then faced Satomi Watanabe in the second match. Watanabe made a strong start by winning the opening game 11-8, but Anahat fought back to take the next two games 11-8 and 11-7. The Japanese player, however, levelled the contest by winning the fourth game 11-8, forcing a decisive fifth game.

The deciding game was also closely contested, but Watanabe prevailed 11-9 to win the match 11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9. The result brought Japan level at 1-1 in the tie.

Tanvi Khanna then took responsibility in the decisive third match. She defeated Akari Midorikawa 12-10, 11-9, 4-11, 12-10 to secure a 2-1 victory for India.

India had earlier defeated China 2-1 in its opening match of the women’s team event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar