India men bag bronze to end 13-year-long medal drought

On Thursday, squaring off against second-seeded USA in the semi-finals, India went down 2-0 after Indian squash players Arihant KS and Sandhesh PR lost in straight games.

Arihant KS was beaten 3-0 (11-3, 11-2, 11-5) by Alexander Dartnell, while Sandhesh PR lost 2-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-7) against Jack Elriani.

Earlier, fifth-seeded India had qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament after topping Group E thanks to wins against Japan, South Africa and Germany.

They beat Canada 2-0 in the pre-quarterfinals after Sandhesh PR defeated Youssef Sarhan 3-1 (11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-6) and Yusha Nafees overcame Youssef Taha 3-2 (10-12, 12-10, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8).

The Indian squash team qualified for the semi-finals after upsetting third seeds the Republic of Korea 2-1 in the quarters. With both losing semi-finalists being awarded bronze medals, an entry in the semis ensured a podium finish

Yusha Nafees won the opening match of the tie after registering a 3-0 (11-5, 11-5 11-9) win over Jeonguk Ryu.

However, Sandhesh PR lost his match 3-0 (11-4, 11-4, 11-4) against Jooyoung Na to force a deciding contest, which saw Arihant KS win 3-1 (11-7, 11-13, 11-8, 11-7) against Jonghyeok Lee.

Meanwhile, India women have confirmed a top-six finish at the World Squash Junior Team Championships after beating Canada 2-0 in the fifth to eighth place playoff.

Anika Dubey defeated Joelle Kim 3-1 (9-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4) and Anahat Singh won 3-0 (11-5, 11-2, 11-4) against Spring Ma.

India women made it out of Group B after wins against Brazil and Ireland, and a loss to Hong Kong, China.

They were put out of medal contention in the quarter-final stage after a 3-0 loss against hosts Egypt.

India are yet to win a World Squash Junior Team Championships title. Squash is set to make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.

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