Islamabad (Sports News): During the third day of action at the 2026 Asian Games, it was Pakistan’s Mohammad Ashab Irfan [5/8] who stole the headlines with an impressive display to upset the seedings and defeat India’s Veer Chotrani [3/4] on what was an action-packed day at the Nagoya Kinjo-Futo Arena.
The 20th Asian Games sees three squash competitions taking place at the Nagoya Kinjo-Futo Arena, with Mixed Doubles and Singles being contested from 23-27 September, followed by the Team event taking place from 28 September-2 October.
The event brings together the very best Asian squash stars, who will not only be competing for national honours but also for a place in history as squash’s first-ever Olympians, with the winners of the Singles competitions earning a place in the main draw at squash’s Olympic debut at LA28.
Despite Chotrani taking the lead in the opening game of their quarter-final encounter, winning 11-6, Irfan refused to back down from the challenge against the No.3/4 seed and was able to bounce back to claim the second 11-8.
With momentum behind him, the Pakistan No.2 continued to launch a strong attack on the World No.49, claiming the third 11-3, before closing out the match, winning 11-3 – becoming the first Pakistani semi-finalist since Aamir Atlas Khan achieved the feat in 2010 in Guangzhou, China.
"I am feeling so good today. Coming into the Asian Games everyone knows the stakes of qualifying for the Olympics, so I knew it wasn't going to be easy," said Irfan after the match.
"I am really happy to have got the win today, as Veer [Chotrani] is such a tough player. We have played quite a few times in the past, but to get the win today, it just feels amazing. I am so excited."
Irfan’s triumph will see him face off against India’s No.2 seed Abhay Singh, who reached tomorrow’s semi-final with a determined straight-game win over one of the home crowd favourites, Ryuonsuke Tsukue [5/8].
Joining them in the semi-final will also be No.3 seed and U23 World Champion Noor Zaman, who secured his place in the last four by downing Henry Leung [5/8] of Hong Kong, China, in four games.
Zaman’s victory also made Pakistan squash history, as it means for the first time in 24 years two Pakistan players will compete in the semi-finals of the Asian Games, a feat achieved by Mansoor Zaman Sr and Shahid Zaman in 2002 at Busan, Republic of Korea.
Following the achievement, Zaman said: "I am feeling so good today, it has been a long time since two Pakistani players have been in the semifinals of the Asian Games, so to have achieved that today with Irfan is great.
“It is a very proud moment for us both, and I know we will both be so excited to fight for a place in the final. I am really looking forward to it.”
With a place confirmed in the semi-finals, Zaman will take on the defending champion and No.1 seed Eain Yow Ng of Malaysia, who advanced after beating Hong Kong, China’s Alex Lau [5/8] in straight games.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Singles draw continued to showcase high-quality squash as Hong Kong, China’s Sin Yuk Chan [5/8] confirmed her place in tomorrow's semi-finals in Nagoya.
Despite dropping the opening game 10-12, Chan was able to bounce back and remain seemingly unfazed, winning the next three games 11-9, 11-5, 11-9.
The win for Chan will see her compete against Sivasangari Subramaniam for a spot in Sunday’s final, with the Malaysian No.1 scoring an impressive straight-game victory over Hong Kong, China’s Tomato Ho.
No.2 seed Satomi Watanabe also booked her place in the semi-finals in front of a supportive home crowd, beating her compatriot Akaria Midorikawa 11-5, 11-2, 11-6.
"I am really pleased and happy to go through to the semifinals," said Watanabe.
"I wasn’t happy with my performance yesterday, but I am happy with my performance today as it is always tough to play against a teammate.
"It is always hard against someone you know really well, and a friend, but on the court she is a rival and it was an enjoyable, clean battle against her.
"So to get the win, and move one step closer is a great feeling, but it is all about making sure we take it one match at a time."
The Japanese No.1 will go on to face India’s No.3 seed Anahat Singh, who progressed into the semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over her teammate Tanvi Khanna.
In the Mixed Doubles draw, it proved to be a successful day for Hong Kong, China, with both of their doubles teams advancing into tomorrow’s semi-finals.
In the opening session of the day, Hong Kong, China’s team of Ka Yi Lee and Ming Hong Tang progressed to the semi-finals after downing No.1 seeds Mohammad Syfiq Mohd Kamal and Aifa Azman in straight games.
The victory for the duo will see them face off against India’s Velavan Senthilkumar and Joshana Chinnappa [3/4], who confirmed their place in tomorrow’s match after beating the Philippines’ Davia Pelino and Jemyca Aribado [9/16].
On Court 6, Hong Kong, China’s Yee Lam Tse and Lai Cheuk Nam Matthew secured a place in the semi-finals after beating Pakistan’s Muhammad Asim Khan and Mehwish Ali 11-6, 11-7.
The duo will go on to face Malaysia’s No.2 seeds Rachel Arnold and Ameeshenraj Chandaran, who reached the last four with a 2-0 win over the Republic of Korea’s Seojin Oh and Mingyeo
