Joshna Chinappa set for seventh straight Asian Games appearance as India announce squash squad

India has officially named its formidable eight-member squash squad for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, a critical event that doubles as a direct qualifier for the sport's much-anticipated Olympic debut at LA 2028. Veteran Joshna Chinappa, at 39, is set to make a historic seventh consecutive appearance, anchoring a team that blends seasoned talent with rising stars like teenage sensation Anahat Singh, following rigorous selection trials in Chennai. This edition of the Asian Games carries unprecedented weight as the men's and women's singles champions will automatically secure qualification berths for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking squash's first inclusion in the global spectacle. India, coming off a strong five-medal haul at Hangzhou 2023, including two golds, is strategically leveraging both top-ranked players like Abhay Singh and Veer Chotrani, and promising trial winners like Tanvi Khanna and Shameena Riaz, with a planned national training camp in August to sharpen their competitive edge. The selection also highlights Chinappa's remarkable return to form after major knee surgery in late 2023, proving her enduring fight spirit. With the Asian Games scheduled for September 19 to October 4 in Japan, the Indian contingent, led by coach Harinder Pal Sandhu, will immediately pivot to intensive preparations, including sparring with top-35 ranked foreign players. All eyes will be on the singles events, where the direct Olympic berths are at stake, transforming the continental championship into an early, high-stakes battleground for LA 2028 glory. The performance in Aichi-Nagoya will not only define India's regional sporting prowess but also set the tone for its Olympic aspirations, with the blend of youth and experience aiming to surpass previous medal tallies.