Malaysian squash players S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow advanced to the finals at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, each aiming to defend their gold medals and secure qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Sivasangari, 27, credited encouragement from Malaysian squash legend Datuk Nicol David as a motivating factor ahead of her semifinal match. David, a former Asian Games champion, was present in Nagoya to support the national team and met with Sivasangari before the match, which took place at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Sivasangari defeated Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk in straight games, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7, to earn a spot in the final.

Reflecting on the encounter, Sivasangari said the experience of having David watch her play was particularly meaningful, recalling their meeting in the final of her first Asian Games in Jakarta. “It has come full circle,” she noted, expressing pride in showing the progress of Malaysian squash to her former rival.

Sivasangari’s upcoming final opponent is India’s Anahat Singh, the world No. 17, whom she has previously beaten twice—at the British Open last year and recently at the London Squash Classic. Despite past successes, Sivasangari emphasized her focus on the present challenge rather than the stakes involved. “I’m taking it match by match,” she said, aiming to balance awareness of the gold medal and Olympic qualification with maintaining composure and concentration during the final.

In the men’s event, Ng Eain Yow also secured his place in today’s final after a dominant semifinal victory over Pakistan’s Noor Zaman with scores of 11-7, 11-2, 11-4. He is set to face India’s Abhay Singh, ranked No. 26 internationally.

Eain Yow enters the final with previous head-to-head success, having won all four prior matches against Singh, though their last meeting occurred two years ago at the 2024 Malaysia Squash Cup in Kuala Lumpur. Like Sivasangari, Eain Yow is competing to retain his Asian Games title and earn a spot at the upcoming Olympic Games.

Both Malaysian athletes carry the dual pressure of defending their titles and securing Olympic qualification, aiming to deliver strong performances on the final day of competition.