Asian Games 2023: Indian Women's Squash Team Settle For Bronze After Semifinal Loss To Hong Kong

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Hangzhou, September 29: The Indian women's squash team of Joshna Chinappa, Tanvi Khanna and Anahat Singh on Friday (September 29) settled for a bronze medal after semifinal defeat to Hong Kong, China in the ongoing Asian Games 2023.

The women's team, who were already assured of a bronze after qualifying for the semifinal, suffered 1-2 loss to the Hong Kong team at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Park Expo Center Squash Venue in Hangzhou, China.

Tanvi Khanna's three-game (6-11, 7-11, 3-11) loss against Sin Yuk Chan in the opening match that lasted for just 22 minutes put India on the back foot. Veteran Chinappa, however, levelled the score by winning the second match of the tie.

Chinappa displayed incredible resilience and skill to make the score even for India at 1-1 against Hong Kong. The Indian veteran registered a victory against Ho Tze-Lok with a score of 7-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8.

After being two games down, Chinappa came right back into the match with a resounding 11-6 win in the fourth game of the fixture. Chinappa closed the match with a commanding performance by maintaining her composure and winning the final game.

With both teams winning the match the pressure fell on 15-year-old Anahat in the decisive match. Even though the youngster lost the match 0-3, she made sure that at least in the first and third games, her opponent was kept on her toes.

The teenager had a strong start to her match but lost some steam near the finish and gave Lee Ka Yi the opening game 8-11. Lee tightened her hold on the match by winning the second game 11-7.

She repeated the performance in the third game and was about to end the match when Ahanat launched a final burst. The teen attempted to score eight points in a row but ultimately dropped the match 10-12.

This was India's first Squash medal in 2023 Asian Games. The Indian men's squash team, who are also assured of a bronze, will look to improve on the colour of the medal during their semifinal clash against Malaysia later in the day.