From Hangzhou Heartbreak to Nagoya Ambition: Abhay Singh's Redemption Path
Indian squash sensation Abhay Singh is already mentally preparing for a high-stakes confrontation that is still a year away. Fresh from his stunning victory over World No. 5 Karim Gawad at the Qatar Classic, the Chennai-based athlete's focus is sharply trained on a crackling rivalry with Pakistan at the upcoming Nagoya Asian Games in September.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire: The Social Media Spark
The memory of his individual loss at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, which he describes as a "tunnel of embarrassment and darkness," was swiftly erased just three days later. Singh became a national hero by clinching the crucial team event decider against Pakistan, securing a historic gold for India. He admits the win was personally charged, fueled by the "nonsense" and chirping on social media, including a provocative comment that Pakistan would defeat India "aaj India ko buri tarah se haraenge."
"It became a bigger deal because of the nonsense that went on, and their players had a lot to say," Singh recalls. "I wanted to win because we'd have to hear a lot if we didn't. So I took it personally." This experience, he says, unlocked a different, more determined side of his competitive spirit.
Rising Credentials and World-Beating Confidence
While the Pakistan challenge looms, Singh's ambitions are global. Now the highest-ranked Indian on the PSA circuit at World No. 26, his career is on a meteoric rise. His pre-season work has paid rich dividends, allowing him to move freely on court with spot-on accuracy. This form led to a breakthrough win against a Top 5 player, a feat he had intuitively predicted.
"I told a few people I sense a Top 30 win coming," Singh reveals. "It gave me confidence that I can be in the Top 20 pretty soon myself." This confidence has been manifested within just five events, propelling him from the 70s to his current career-high rank. His coaching team, led by James Willstrop, has been instrumental in helping him find equanimity and separate the sport from the intense personal toll of wins and losses, which he compares to "bad breakups."
No Complacency: A Sharper Rivalry Awaits
Despite Pakistan's squash decline since the era of legends Jahangir and Jansher Khan, Singh warns against any complacency. He notes a newfound mutual respect when meeting Pakistani players on the professional tour, but the competitive fire burns brighter than ever. He acknowledges that players like Noor Zaman and Ashab Irfan are in formidable form, making the upcoming Asian Games clash potentially harder than the last.
"Whatever the scenario, I'm up for it," declares the Indian star. For Abhay Singh, the goal is clear: to continue his ascent in world squash while simultaneously gearing up for that golden balance of strength and calm needed to conquer the Asian Games podium once again.
