NAGOYA, Oct 1 — Young national player C. Ameeshenraj emerged as Malaysia’s hero after delivering the winning point in a dramatic 2-1 victory over defending champions India in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games men’s team squash semi-final at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena today.
The victory sent Malaysia into the final and ensured at least a repeat of the team’s best finish in the men’s team event since the 2018 Asian Games, while improving on the bronze medal won at the Hangzhou 2022 edition.
Malaysia took the lead through Ng Eain Yow, who defeated Abhay Singh 11-8, 11-8, 11-8, before Sanjay Jeeva failed to contain Veer Chotrani, who won 11-4, 11-8, 11-5 to level the tie at 1-1.
In the deciding match, Ameeshenraj recovered from losing the first game to defeat Velavan Senthilkumar 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 and seal Malaysia’s victory.
Ameeshenraj said he had always believed he could shoulder the responsibility for the team despite facing pressure in the deciding match.
“I always believe that I could do it today. It wasn’t easy, I had to take it one point at a time and had to be very patient. Deciding matches are one of the most exciting matches for me. I always look forward to it... I really wanted to do well today, and I think I did, I did my team proud,” he told reporters after the match.
On the pressure before taking to the court, Ameeshenraj said India’s status as the favourites gave him confidence to play without thinking too much about the outcome.
“They’ve got everything to lose, we’ve got everything to gain. We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.
The player also revealed that he made tactical changes after falling behind in the first game, particularly after realising that his opponent was able to read his technique.
Malaysia will face Pakistan in tomorrow’s final after the team defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in the other semi-final.
The national men’s team last won the team event gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. — Bernama
