The Indian squash team began its Asian Games campaign with convincing wins over Singapore and Pakistan in the men’s and women’s team competitions on Tuesday.
The women’s team, led by 15-year-old Anahat Singh, veteran Joshna Chinappa, and Tanvi Khanna, defeated Pakistan 3-0 in their first Pool B match. Anahat defeated Sadia Gul 11-6, 11-6, 11-3 in 16 minutes in the first singles match.
Joshna took 13 minutes to beat Noor Ul Huda Sadiq 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 in her first match of her sixth Asian Games.
Tanvi’s 11-3, 11-6, 11-2 victory over Noor Ul Ain Ijaz completed India’s dominance in the previous edition. The top two teams from Pool A and Pool B advance to the semifinals.
India are paired in Pool B with Malaysia, Macau, China, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Top seeds India defeated Singapore 3-0 in the men’s event.
Harinder Pal Sandhu, returning to singles after a long injury layoff, had to fight hard to beat Jerome Clement in the first singles match, 11-4, 13-11, 8-11, 7-11.
India’s top-ranked player, Saurav Ghosal, who is competing in his sixth Asian Games, was tested by Samuel Kang in the first game before winning 11-9, 11-1, 11-4 in 37 minutes.
Abhay Singh defeated Marcus Phua in straight games 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 to give India a comfortable win ahead of their match against Qatar later on Tuesday.
Pakistan, Kuwait, and Nepal are also in India’s group. The previous edition’s bronze medalist was Ghosal’s team.
The team is aiming for the top of the podium after winning gold in 2014.
The men will play Pakistan in Pool A on Wednesday. The match should be more competitive than the women’s one-sided competition.