India’s Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal after suffering a heartbreaking defeat against Hong Kong’s Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi in the mixed doubles squash semifinal at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday.
The Indian pair went down 11-10, 2-11, 11-10 in a thrilling three-game contest at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.
The closely fought encounter went down to the wire, with the Hong Kong pair holding their nerve in the deciding game to book their place in the final.
Joshna, Senthilkumar Fight Back After Tight Opener
Tang Ming Hong and Lee Ka Yi edged the opening game 11-10 after a closely contested battle. India, however, responded strongly in the second game.
Joshna and Senthilkumar quickly found their rhythm and dominated the second game, winning it 11-2 to level the contest and force a decider.
The third game once again produced a tense battle, with neither pair able to establish a decisive advantage. The Hong Kong duo eventually prevailed 11-10 to end India’s hopes of reaching the final.
Despite the defeat, Joshna and Senthilkumar secured the bronze medal by virtue of reaching the semifinals.
Joshna Chinappa Wins Sixth Asian Games Medal
The medal adds another achievement to Joshna Chinappa’s remarkable Asian Games career. The 40-year-old has now won six medals at the continental event.
Joshna previously had two silver and three bronze medals at the Asian Games, and her latest bronze takes her overall tally to six.
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The Indian pair had booked their place in the semifinals after defeating the Philippines’ David Pelino and Jemyca Aribado on Friday.
While they missed out on a place in the final, Joshna and Senthilkumar’s run has earned India another medal in squash at the Asian Games 2026.
Currently Indian are ranked 12th in the table and will look to improve their rank.