Aichi-Nagoya: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu progressed to the women’s singles round of 16 at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-chian in straight games on Saturday, while Abhay Singh advanced to the men’s squash final with a commanding win over Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan.
Sindhu, who is looking to add an Asian Games medal to her decorated career, overcame Chiu 21-19, 21-14 in the second round. The opening game remained closely contested, but the Indian maintained her composure during the crucial points to take a narrow lead.
The former world champion then raised her level in the second game, controlling the rallies and denying Chiu an opportunity to force a decider. Sindhu closed out the contest 21-14 to move into the last 16.
She now faces a significant test against Japan’s world No. 7 Tomoka Miyazaki later on Saturday.
In squash, Abhay Singh produced a strong semifinal performance to beat Pakistan’s Muhammad Irfan 11-3, 12-10, 11-6 and book his place in the men’s singles gold-medal match.
Ranked 26th in the world, Abhay dictated the opening game before Irfan mounted a challenge in the second. The Indian held his nerve in the closing stages to edge the game 12-10 and move within one game of victory.
Abhay then regained complete control in the third, winning 11-6 to complete a 3-0 victory and secure at least a silver medal.
He will meet the winner of the other semifinal between Pakistan’s Noor Zaman and Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng in the final.
