India Defeats Pakistan in Epic Asian Doubles Squash Championship Final
Thrilling 87-minute battle ends with India defeats Pakistan 2-1 to victory at the 2nd Asian Doubles Squash Championship.
In a nail-biting finale that had spectators on the edge of their seats, India’s Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthil Kumar delivered a masterclass performance to defeat Pakistan’s formidable duo of Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal. The epic encounter lasted 1 hour and 27 minutes, showcasing the finest squash talent from both nations.
India defeats Pakistan 2-1 Championship Final Showdown
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash lived up to every expectation as two powerhouse nations battled for Asian squash supremacy. Pakistan entered the final as slight favorites, having previously defeated Korea 2-1 in the quarterfinals before stunning hosts Malaysia in a thrilling semifinal comeback.
The Green Shirts started strong, taking the opening game 11-9, but India’s resilient pair had other plans. Singh and Senthil Kumar showed incredible mental fortitude to bounce back spectacularly, dominating the next two games 11-5, 11-5 to seal a memorable 2-1 victory.
| Match Stage | Result | Scoreline |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinal | Pakistan def. Korea | 2-1 |
| Semifinal | Pakistan def. Malaysia | 2-1 (Comeback win) |
| Final | India def. Pakistan | 2-1 (11-9, 5-11, 5-11) |
Road to Final Glory
Both teams had to overcome significant challenges to reach the championship match, but one team had to win and India defeats Pakistan 2-1. Pakistan’s journey included a dominant 2-1 victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals, where they showcased their class with scores of 11-3, 5-11, and 11-4 in a compact 37-minute encounter.
The semifinal against Malaysia proved to be Pakistan’s most challenging test. Despite losing the opening set 10-11 to the home favorites Duncan Lee and Syafiq Kamal, Zaman and Iqbal demonstrated true championship character. They roared back to claim the next two sets 11-9 each in a pulsating 69-minute thriller that had the Jalan Stadium crowd gasping.
CHAMPIONS
Abhay Singh
Velavan Senthil Kumar
India’s Golden Duo
RUNNERS-UP
Noor Zaman
Nasir Iqbal
Pakistan’s Pride
Key Championship Moments
Opening Surge: Pakistan’s Zaman and Iqbal capitalize on early momentum to secure first game 11-9
Turning Point: India’s tactical adjustment pays off as they dominate second game 11-5
Championship Moment: Singh and Senthil Kumar maintain pressure to clinch decisive third game 11-5
Historical Context: India ends Pakistan’s dominant run in men’s doubles Asian championships
Tournament Legacy and Impact
This victory represents a significant milestone for Indian squash doubles, breaking Pakistan’s long-standing dominance in the men’s category. Pakistan has historically been the most successful team in the men’s section, having won it 15 times, while India previously won once in 2022.
