After a successful outing in the 2022 Asian Games, India’s men’s squash team is looking to deliver its career-best performance at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, with new talents rising in the ranks.

India in the last Asian Games in Hangzhou won five medals in squash events, which was their joint best with the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, where they also won five medals.

Indian men’s team members won two medals in the last edition, as they won gold in the team event, while veteran Saurav Ghosal won a silver medal in the singles event. With the next edition of the tournament just months away, the Indian men’s team has been going all-out in its preparation, with hopes of increasing the medal numbers even further in Japan.

A stronger core driving India forward

Not too long ago, India’s men’s squash scene revolved around a single dominant figure in Saurav Ghosal. While others featured around him, the gap in rankings was often significant.

That landscape has now changed. Four Indian players are currently ranked in and around the top 50 of the PSA standings — Abhay Singh (26), Ramit Tandon (37), Veer Chotrani (43) and Velavan Senthilkumar (51).

Healthy competition shaping preparations

The increased competition within the squad is playing a key role in India’s preparation for the Asian Games. Players are pushing each other to improve, with the closeness in rankings ensuring that no one can afford to drop their standards.

Abhay highlighted how the competition keeps him “on his toes,” while Tandon pointed out that Indian players are now regularly capable of beating top-20 opponents — something that was rare a few years ago.

Chotrani echoed a similar sentiment, noting that the group operates at a comparable level, making it both competitive and motivating. This internal rivalry is expected to be crucial in determining team combinations and singles spots for Nagoya.

Focus on consistency and long-term growth

While Indian players have shown the ability to produce standout performances, the next step in their development lies in maintaining that level consistently. Tandon stressed that moving into the top 20 will require sustained success rather than occasional big wins.

The shift in PSA rankings to a weekly system has also made progress more dynamic, allowing players to climb quickly with strong performances in key tournaments. This has added urgency and intensity to the preparation phase.

Backed by a growing talent pipeline, increased support and more domestic events, India’s men’s squash team is building towards Nagoya with a clear goal — to convert potential into results and take Indian squash to the next level.

Full list of India’s medals in squash in Asian Games 2022:

During spring, it was Via Sistina leading the way. This time around, Autumn Glow has been the star.

Aeliana has remained overshadowed by two exceptional stablemates through her recent six starts, though on Saturday at Rosehill, the mare emerges prominently in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).

In addition to targeting her first triumph post-thrashing ATC Australian Derby rivals a year ago, she could enable James McDonald to tie Damien Oliver’s 129 Group 1 wins Australian record.

McDonald, fresh off victory in the Coolmore Classic last weekend via Lazzura, eyes that one more Group 1 to level with Oliver, commencing his five such rides at Rosehill aboard Aeliana.

Her trainer Chris Waller trusts the mare to supply the champion jockey’s key moment, as do gamblers backing her firmly at $1.65.

“She has come back stronger, and her first two runs have been superb,” Waller said.

“She’s got the best form heading into a Ranvet.

“This time last year, she ran second by a nostril on the same day in the Rosehill Guineas to Broadsiding and came out with an emphatic Derby win.

“She is where she needs to be.”

Aeliana headlines McDonald’s outstanding quintet of Group 1 engagements Saturday, all under Sydney’s champion trainer.

If she falls short for the tying win, Autumn Boy as Rosehill Guineas favourite gives McDonald his prompt opportunity to surpass Oliver, then Autumn Glow, the unbeaten mare, in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).

The jockey’s further Group 1 hopes rest on Fireball in the Golden Slipper (1200m) and Generosity in the Galaxy (1100m), both outsiders at double-figure quotes needing shocks.

Potentially Aeliana’s sternest test is barnmate Lindermann ($9), who has notched two wins and two places in four Rosehill 2000m appearances.

After a creditable third on return, the gelding disappointed in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) last time, yet Waller reports full recovery and a battling effort ahead.

“He’s fine. He’s had an ECG and everything is normal so he will definitely be there,” Waller said.

Trinity College, the stable trio’s outsider, brings a Group 3 win at the distance from overseas, with solid training reports since his Aussie bow last month.

Find the top betting sites offering racing odds for the Ranvet Stakes action.

England manager Thomas Tuchel explains his decisions for selecting Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo for his upcoming camp.

He also says it was a “tough decision” to not include Trent Alexander-Arnold in the expanded 35-man squad.

The Three Lions continue their World Cup preparations with friendlies at Wembley Stadium against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March.

Teams must submit their final World Cup squads by Saturday, 30 May.

READ MORE: ‘Last opportunity to impress’ – Tuchel names 35-man England squad

Tuchel, who has made clear his love of the physical nature of English football alongside his want of a solid backline referenced Jarrell Quansah, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento as the players in front of Alexander-Arnold.

And although predominately a centre-back, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa played at right-back in the comfortable win over Wales in October and is an option there too.

“A slightly different profile,” Tuchel said when asked by BBC Sport about what the other players bring.

“It’s not what Trent cannot offer us. I know very well what Trent can offer.

“I suffered when he played against my teams with Liverpool. I know very well about his strengths and what he can give.”

Livramento played the second-half of Newcastle’s 7-2 defeat by Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday, but he has already impressed the England boss.

Tuchel is big on players having “credit” for what they have previously done for him and Livramento played in England’s 5-0 away win against Serbia, arguably the most impressive performance since he took charge.

“It is a sporting decision that we stick with Quansah, Livramento and Spence who all can play in camp in the right full-back position,” added the German.

“We have evidence with how good we were in September, October and November and the players who are in camp have to push for their ticket. They have to show again that they deserve this spot.”

Matheesha Pathirana (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar confirming in pre-season press conference held on friday that the pacer is likely to be available only from mid-April. Pathirana, who was ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a calf strain, is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket. He had featured in just three matches in the tournament before being helped off the field during a game against Australia.

KKR await fitness update

Providing an update on the young fast bowler’s recovery, Nayar said: “The latest update that we know is he’s obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board and they took out his rehab, and the latest communication that we’ve had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit. That’s what we know as of now.”

Sri Lanka Cricket issues NOC update for IPL 2026

Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been issued NOCs to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test.”Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programs,” said SLC in a statement on Friday.

“Firstly, it is a big blow” – Nayar

Nayar admitted that Harshit’s absence comes as a major setback for the KKR:“Firstly, it is a big blow, because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He’s grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it’s not easy to replace him.”He added that the team management is actively exploring replacement options: “Having said that, over the last few days, we’ve looked at a few bowlers. We’re trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their prowess.”“We’re still evaluating that and haven’t made that decision yet, but hopefully we’ll identify someone soon who can make a difference to this squad.”

Bravo backs squad depth despite setbacks

KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo struck a confident tone: “In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept, the good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth.”Bravo pointed to several Indian pacers who could step up: “So there are some guys, as the coach mentioned, that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot – the likes of Umran Malik.”“These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I’m happy to work with this group of fast bowlers.” he added.