Joshna Chinappa targets special chapter in record Asian Games journey
Squash veteran Joshna Chinappa is set to become the first Indian to represent the country at seven consecutive Asian Games when she competes at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, a milestone she described as a matter of great pride.The Indian squad was selected following trials held at the ISTA Academy in Chennai. Joshna is expected to compete in the doubles event at the Asian Games 2026.Joshna's Asian Games journey began at Busan 2002. She has since represented India at every edition of the Games - Doha 2006, Guangzhou 2010, Incheon 2014, Jakarta-Palembang 2018, Hangzhou 2023 and now Aichi-Nagoya 2026.Joshna Chinappa has won five Asian Games medals - two silver and three bronze - with four coming in team events, including a bronze in Hangzhou. Her other medal was an individual bronze in the women's singles event in Jakarta.When informed she would become the first Indian to achieve the feat, the 39-year-old Joshna admitted the record had come as a surprise."Oh yes, I never knew that!" Joshna Chinappa told Olympics.com. "I always felt athletes like PT Usha or Leander Paes would have achieved something like this. I am more than happy."Paes represented India at a record seven Olympic Games between 1992 and 2016. PT Usha, meanwhile, made four appearances at the Asian Games.Joshna Chinappa reserved special praise for tennis legends such as Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes, whose longevity has long been a source of inspiration for Indian athletes."It is great to be among the greats. I hope to make this edition more special," she said.Despite the landmark, Joshna's attention remains firmly on helping India challenge for medals in Japan."There are many youngsters in the side and I am sure we can make it to the podium," she said.The veteran Indian squash player is expected to play a key role in a squad that blends experience with youth, including teenage sensation Anahat Singh, one of India's brightest prospects in the sport."Anahat is definitely a budding player, along with several others. Having Anahat in the side adds impetus to the team because she has been in very good form recently. It is a very well-balanced side," Joshna said.India won five squash medals at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games, including two gold medals, and Joshna Chinappa believes the current squad has the quality to compete for honours again.She also acknowledged the physical challenge posed by the multi-event competition, where players often have to contest several matches over a short period."It is a tough task but we are training for that. I hope to give my best," she said.The upcoming Asian Games will also carry additional significance for squash, with the sport set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.However, Joshna Chinappa is not looking too far ahead."Two years is a long period. At this stage, I look one month ahead and not years. But I am happy that squash has finally made it to the Olympics," she said.
