Asian Games: Indian Squash Duo Wins Gold in Thrilling Final

HANGZHOU: In a gripping final at the Asian Games 2023, the Indian mixed doubles squash duo of Dipika Pallikal and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu triumphed, securing India's second gold medal in the sport. On Thursday, October 5, they defeated Malaysia's formidable pairing of Aifa Binti Azman and Syafiq Kamal.

This victory marked India's fourth medal in squash at the Games, with the men's team previously clinching gold by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan. Additionally, the women's team and the mixed doubles pair of Anahat and Abhay Singh had earlier earned bronze medals.

The final match between Pallikal-Sandhu and Azman-Kamal was a thrilling battle that lasted 35 minutes, ultimately ending with a scoreline of 11-10, 11-10 in favor of the Indian duo.

The first game witnessed a fierce contest, with both teams vying for a substantial lead. Malaysia briefly held a 6-4 advantage before Pallikal and Sandhu made a remarkable comeback to level the score. The Indian pair surged ahead at 8-6, only to see Azman and Kamal mount a comeback, winning four consecutive points and coming close to claiming the first game.

However, Pallikal and Sandhu displayed exceptional composure, swiftly regaining control of the game and securing a 1-0 lead in the contest.

The second game saw Pallikal and Sandhu dominate the early stages, establishing a commanding 9-3 lead. Nevertheless, the Malaysian duo staged a remarkable comeback, winning seven consecutive points and bringing the score to 10-9 in their favor. In a thrilling turn of events, Pallikal and Sandhu swiftly regained their rhythm and clinched the gold medal for the Indian team, leaving no room for further drama.

This victory marked India's second gold medal of the day, with the women's compound archery team earlier ascending to the top of the podium. The excitement continued as India's Saurav Ghosal prepared for a shot at gold later in the day in the men's singles squash event.

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