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Malaysia’s Ng, Subramaniam book LA28 Olympics berth with Asian Games gold

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-27

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng and Sivasangari Subramaniam won gold medals at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing their spots at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics as the first squash players from their country to qualify. • Why it matters: This achievement marks the inaugural inclusion of squash in the Olympics, enhancing Malaysia's reputation in the sport and bringing the nation's total gold medal count at the Games to six. • What to watch next: As the 2028 Olympics approach, attention will focus on Ng and Subramaniam as they prepare to represent Malaysia on the global stage, potentially inspiring future athletes in the region.

**Malaysia’s Ng, Subramaniam Book LA28 Olympics Berth with Asian Games Gold**

*Published on September 27, 2026*

In a historic achievement for Malaysian squash, Eain Yow Ng and Sivasangari Subramaniam have secured their places at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics by winning gold medals at the Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This marks the first time squash will be featured in the Olympics, and both athletes have made their mark as the inaugural qualifiers from their country.

Competing in the men’s and women’s finals on September 27, Ng and Subramaniam successfully defended their titles, showcasing dominant performances throughout the tournament. Their victories not only earned them gold medals but also solidified Malaysia’s reputation in the sport, bringing the nation’s total gold medal count at the Games to six.

World number 18 Eain Yow Ng faced off against India’s Abhay Singh in the men’s final, where he delivered a commanding performance. Ng won decisively with scores of 11-9, 11-5, and 11-5, completing the match in just 33 minutes. His victory is particularly significant, as it makes him the first Malaysian squash player to qualify for the Olympics.

Shortly after Ng’s triumph, world number five Sivasangari Subramaniam took to the court for the women’s final against India’s Anahat Singh, who is ranked 17th globally. Subramaniam dominated the match, winning 11-4, 11-4, and 11-7 in a swift 23 minutes. This victory not only secured her gold but also highlighted her status as one of the top players in the sport.

Sivasangari’s journey to the final was marked by a remarkable semifinal match against Japan’s Satomi Watanabe, where she made a stunning comeback from two sets down to win (9-11, 11-13, 12-10, 11-6, 11-3). This victory was particularly notable as it made her the first Indian woman to reach the singles final at the Asian Games.

In addition to the squash finals, the Asian Games have seen a variety of exciting competitions. Pakistan also celebrated success in the squash arena, with Noor Zaman claiming a bronze medal by defeating compatriot Ashab Irfan 3-0. Zaman’s victory added to the competitive spirit of the Games, which have showcased a wide range of sports and talents.

As the Asian Games conclude, the achievements of Ng and Subramaniam stand out as a beacon of hope for Malaysian squash and a testament to the growing prominence of the sport in the region. Their qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics is anticipated to inspire future generations of athletes in Malaysia and beyond.

With squash making its Olympic debut, the spotlight will be on these two athletes as they prepare for the global stage in 2028. Their journey through the Asian Games has not only highlighted their skill and determination but has also set a precedent for the future of squash in Malaysia.

Source: Al Jazeera
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