Asian Games: Saurav Ghosal wins India's first silver medal in squash

Saurav Ghosal (left)

Saurav Ghosal created history by winning the silver medal men’s squash singles event on Tuesday. The medal was also the first silver medal won by India in squash at any editions of the Asian Games so far. Ghosal put up a fight but ultimately lost to Abdullah Almezayen of Kuwait in a five-set thriller.

Ghosal, probably, should have sealed gold in the event. Ghosal had an excellent start to the match, winning 12-10 in a nailbiting opening game. It looked as if Ghosal was running away with the match, winning the second by losing just two points.

Kuwait star Almezayen picked himself and went to a 6-3 lead in the third game. There were signs of a comeback in the third game as complaceny seemed to creeped into the Indian’s game. Ghosal failed to convert a gold medal point to lose the game 12-14.

The momentum swung in favour of Almezayen, who suddenly had a spring in his step in the fourth game. Ghosal lost the game 8-11 to take the match into a decider. There were signs that Ghosal was recovering from the shock and getting back his groove. He won a few crucial points to take a 6-4 lead in the final game. However, it was not meant to be for the Indian star as Almezayen took the final game 11-9 to win the match and the gold medal for Kuwait.

It was an impressive performance by Ghosal. Despite feeling the nerves in the third game, Ghosal’s silver medal for India is a spectacular achievement for Indian squash.