In a remarkable display of sportsmanship and rivalry that transcended borders, the India-Pakistan squash men’s team final at the Asian Games unfolded with an intensity reminiscent of historic encounters in Indian hockey or cricket. As the clock ticked away, it became evident that this was not merely a match; it was a battle of national pride, complete with passionate exchanges and fervent cheers from the spectators.
During the pulsating contest, there were instances of verbal exchanges, exemplified by Saurav Ghosal advising Muhammad Asim Khan to “Just play your game” when the latter expressed concerns about a block. The spectators mirrored the on-court passion, with chants for India being met with equally fervent cries for Pakistan. However, the pinnacle of this intense showdown was a racquet being flung into the stands, reminiscent of the legendary John McEnroe.
This dramatic climax occurred due to the exceptional performance of 25-year-old Abhay Singh. Singh’s tenacity and unwavering spirit allowed him to overcome two match points and secure a breathtaking 3-2 victory over 19-year-old Noor Zaman (11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-9, 12-10). In doing so, he propelled India to their second-ever Asian Games gold medal in squash, the first of which was achieved at the 2014 Asiad in Incheon.
The backdrop to this electrifying final was India’s loss to Pakistan, the fourth-seeded team, in their Pool A match just three nights earlier. On that occasion, Zaman had bested Singh in a grueling four-game contest that lasted 51 minutes, igniting exuberant celebrations in the Pakistani camp. Subsequently, India triumphed over Malaysia in the semi-finals, while Pakistan defeated Hong Kong in their last-four fixture, setting the stage for this much-anticipated showdown.
Abhay Singh, who was determined to redeem himself following his previous defeat, expressed his disappointment at losing to a 19-year-old ranked outside the top 100, especially when he himself was ranked within the top 70. He acknowledged that losing in international tournaments affects an individual differently than losing in team events, where the pride of representing one’s nation is at stake. Singh credited his triumphant comeback to the veteran trio of Saurav Ghosal, Mahesh Mangaonkar, and Harinder Pal Sandhu, who had secured India’s gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and demonstrated their immense contribution to the team’s success.
Singh, fueled by verbal taunts from the Pakistani camp and social media provocations, approached the final with unparalleled determination. Saurav Ghosal’s mentorship and wisdom played a crucial role in keeping Singh focused and composed throughout the high-stakes match.
The showdown between India and Pakistan witnessed heightened emotions, with aggressive gesticulations, body blocks, and instances of heated exchanges. Although Mahesh Mangaonkar attempted to assert physical dominance, Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal emerged as the superior player, securing a convincing 3-0 victory (11-8, 11-3, 11-2) in the opening game.
Saurav Ghosal later delivered an emphatic 3-0 victory (11-5, 11-1, 11-3) over Muhammad Asim Khan in just 30 minutes, leveling the score and paving the way for Abhay Singh’s pivotal match. Singh initiated strongly, claiming the first game with an 11-7 scoreline. However, Zaman gradually found his rhythm, showcasing his agility and skill by effectively maneuvering across the court. He also succeeded in getting under Singh’s skin, prompting Singh to request the referee’s vigilance regarding Zaman’s movements.
Undeterred, Zaman continued to execute his game plan, securing the second game 11-9. The intensity escalated, with both players relentlessly battling for supremacy. Singh managed to win the fourth game 11-9, forcing a decisive fifth game. The suspense reached its zenith as Singh mounted a comeback from a 6-7 deficit, eventually clinching victory with an 11-10 scoreline. Singh’s triumph culminated in a jubilant roar, a racquet launched into the crowd, and an emotional embrace with his teammates. Zaman, the torchbearer of Pakistan’s squash legacy, stood disheartened, symbolizing the raw emotions that define these contests.
While the triumph celebrated India’s second-ever squash gold at the Asian Games, it was also a tribute to Saurav Ghosal’s inspirational leadership. His pre-match pep talk galvanized the team, emphasizing the importance of unwavering determination, irrespective of the outcome. Abhay Singh’s remarkable performance illuminated the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, a spectacle that transcended squash and epitomized the spirit of sportsmanship.
In the heat of the moment, tempers flared, emotions ran high, and Abhay Singh emerged as the hero of a thrilling encounter that will be etched in the annals of Asian Games history.
