KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia survived an early scare from Hong Kong to retain the Asian Games women’s squash team gold medal after edging their rivals 2-1 in a thrilling final in Nagoya today.
The victory not only allowed Malaysia to retain the title but also delivered the country’s seventh gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, surpassing the national target of six golds.
Aifa Azman gave Malaysia the perfect start, keeping her composure to defeat Tomato Ho 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 in the opening match.
However, Hong Kong hit back in dramatic fashion when Chan Sin Yuk stunned world number five S. Sivasangari 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-7 to level the tie and pile the pressure on Malaysia.
With the gold medal resting on the deciding match, Aira Azman delivered when it mattered most, brushing aside Lee Ka Yi 11-9, 11-5, 11-4 to seal the victory and spark celebrations among the Malaysian camp.
The triumph also saw Malaysia successfully defend the women’s team title they won at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where they defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in the final.
Sivasangari, who also won the individual gold earlier in the Games, said the team’s success was made even more special by the unwavering support from Malaysians.
“Thank you to all the Malaysian fans for your incredible support throughout these past two weeks. It has been a fantastic ride, with plenty of highs and lows, but you have continued to stand behind us and the Malaysian team.
“We truly appreciate all the support, and we dedicate this victory to every Malaysian out there.
“This gold medal means a lot to us because we know we are carrying the hopes and support of the whole country,” she told reporters at a press conference today.
Sivasangari is also set to receive RM100,000 in incentives for her performances at the Games — RM80,000 for her individual gold and RM20,000 for the team event. — October 2, 2026