Overview
India's Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar won their third consecutive men's doubles title at the Asian Doubles Squash Championships in Malaysia. The top seeds defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final. India also secured bronze medals in women's doubles and mixed doubles, making it a memorable campaign.
A Hat-Trick of Gold
The Indian men's squash pair of Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar has done it again. They won the men's doubles title at the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships for the third consecutive year. The tournament was held in Sarawak, Malaysia, on Sunday.
This is a remarkable achievement. Winning a title once is special. Winning it three times in a row is extraordinary. The Indian duo has now won gold in all three editions of this continental championship. They have completely dominated the men's doubles event in Asia.
How the Final Unfolded
The final was a repeat of last year's title clash. Abhay and Velavan faced Pakistan's second-seeded pair of Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman. The match lasted 47 minutes.
The Indian pair started slowly. They lost the first game 7-11. But they did not lose hope. They raised their game in the second game. They played attacking squash with excellent touch and control. They won the second game 11-7.
In the third game, they were simply unstoppable. They crushed their opponents 11-2. The final score was 7-11, 11-7, 11-2. It was a brilliant comeback victory.
The Road to the Final
Abhay and Velavan's journey to the final was impressive. They began their campaign by topping Pool A. They recorded wins against teams from South Korea and Hong Kong China.
In the quarter-finals, they faced Japan's Naoki Hayashi and Ren Makino. They won a hard-fought match 11-3, 10-12, 11-5.
In the semi-finals, they took on Malaysian third seeds Sanjay Jeeva and Duncan Lee. The Indian pair won convincingly 11-7, 11-9. They entered the final with an unbeaten record.
A Complete Medal Haul for India
India finished with medals in all three categories at the championships. This shows the depth of Indian squash.
Women's Doubles : The second-seeded pair of Joshna Chinappa and Rathika Seelan won bronze medals. They lost to Malaysian top seeds Ainaa Amani and Yee Xin Ying in the semi-finals. The score was 9-11, 7-11.
Mixed Doubles : The second-seeded pair of Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar also won bronze. They lost a close semi-final to Malaysia's Ainaa Amani and Md Kamal. The score was 8-11, 11-8, 8-11.
Other Results : The other women's pair of Janet Vidhi and Pooja Arthi finished in sixth place. The men's pairing of Rahul Baitha and Suraj Chand could not progress beyond the group stage.
About the Champions
Abhay Singh is an Asian Games bronze medallist. He has established himself as one of India's top squash players.
Velavan Senthilkumar is a mixed team World Cup winner. He is known for his powerful game and mental toughness.
Together, they have formed a formidable partnership. Their understanding on the court is exceptional. They complement each other's strengths perfectly.
What This Victory Means
This hat-trick of titles is a historic achievement for Indian squash. No other men's pair has dominated the Asian Doubles Championships like this.
The victory also builds momentum for future competitions. Squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Indian players will be aiming to qualify and win medals.
The performance in Malaysia shows that Indian squash is in good hands. The players are ready to compete with the best in the world.
A Word on the Competition
The Asian Doubles Squash Championships is a prestigious event. It brings together the best players from across the continent. Winning three times in a row is no small feat.
The Pakistan pair of Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman are strong opponents. They had reached the final for the second year in a row. Beating them twice shows the class of Abhay and Velavan.
Conclusion
Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar have made India proud. Their third consecutive Asian doubles title is a testament to their skill, hard work and determination. The Indian contingent's overall performance, with medals in all three categories, highlights the growing strength of squash in the country.
As the sport prepares for its Olympic debut, these achievements will inspire the next generation of Indian squash players. The future looks bright for Indian squash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who won the men's doubles title at the 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships?
India's Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar won the men's doubles title for the third consecutive year.
Q2. Who did they beat in the final?
They defeated Pakistan's second-seeded pair of Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman in the final.
Q3. What was the score in the final?
The final score was 7-11, 11-7, 11-2 in favour of the Indian pair.
Q4. How did India perform in other categories?
India won bronze medals in women's doubles (Joshna Chinappa and Rathika Seelan) and mixed doubles (Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar).
Q5. Where was the tournament held?
The 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships was held in Sarawak, Malaysia.
Exam-Focused Points
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Event : 3rd Asian Doubles Squash Championships
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Venue : Sarawak, Malaysia
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Date : Final held on 21 June 2026
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Men's Doubles Champions : Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar (India)
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Title Won : Third consecutive men's doubles title
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Final Opponents : Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman (Pakistan)
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Final Score : 7-11, 11-7, 11-2 (47 minutes)
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Women's Doubles Bronze : Joshna Chinappa and Rathika Seelan
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Mixed Doubles Bronze : Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar
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Key Achievement : India finished with medals in all three categories
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Historical Context : Squash to make Olympic debut at LA28