Chennai’s Abhay Singh continued his impressive 2026 season by winning the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy 2026 in Seremban, Malaysia, on August 30. The top-seeded Indian defeated Hong Kong’s Henry Leung 3-2 (11-7, 6-11, 3-11, 11-5, 12-10) in a tense 49-minute final to claim his 13th Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour title and his third Tuanku Muhriz Trophy, having previously won the tournament in 2022 and 2024.
The victory further strengthens Singh’s momentum ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. The world No. 24 is currently India’s highest-ranked men’s squash player and secured his 13th PSA Tour title by defeating Hong Kong’s Henry Leung in a five-game final in Malaysia.
Five-Game Thriller
Singh was pushed all the way by the third-seeded Leung in a closely fought final. After taking the opening game 11-7, the Indian lost the next two 6-11 and 3-11, leaving the match on a knife-edge. He responded strongly, winning the fourth game 11-5 before edging the decisive fifth game 12-10.
The victory completed a demanding campaign in Seremban. After receiving a first-round bye, Singh defeated Malaysia’s Low Wa Sern 3-1 in the second round and then overcame Mohammad Syafiq Kamal 3-1 in the quarter-final. He needed five games again in the semi-final, defeating Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran 7-11, 11-9, 11-7, 7-11, 11-3 after a 72-minute battle.
Chennai To International Squash
Born and raised in Chennai, Singh has established himself as one of India’s leading squash players. His latest triumph takes his career tally to 13 PSA Tour titles from 18 finals, underlining the consistency he has developed on the international circuit. He is currently ranked World No. 24, making him India’s highest-ranked men’s squash player.
Singh’s 2026 campaign had already begun on a high note. In March, he won the JSW Indian Open in Mumbai, defeating compatriot Veer Chotrani 11-9, 11-8, 11-4 in an all-Indian final. The Tuanku Muhriz Trophy is therefore his second PSA Tour title of the 2026 season.
Arjuna Award Recognition
Singh’s achievements have also earned national recognition. He was named an Arjuna Award recipient for squash, with the honour recognising his outstanding contribution and performances in the sport. The award was presented in January 2025 and added another prestigious milestone to his career.
His 2025 World Cup triumph and Arjuna Award came in a particularly significant period of his career. In 2026, he has continued that progress, winning the Indian Open and now the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy. He was also named the Asian Squash Federation’s Men’s Player of the Year for 2025, reflecting the impact of his performances on the continental stage.
The Road Ahead
The Tuanku Muhriz Trophy victory offers Singh valuable momentum before a major international assignment. His ability to recover after losing two consecutive games in the final, while maintaining his composure in a 12-10 decider, showed the resilience required at the highest level.
The tournament also highlighted the importance of international competition for developing squash. Negeri Sembilan Squash Association president Chris Chantharasegeran said such events give local players valuable exposure against international opponents, while Malaysia’s Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Mordi Bimol stressed that hosting international tournaments can help domestic players gain ranking points and reduce the costs associated with travelling overseas.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Abhay Singh’s journey from Chennai to the international squash circuit is a reminder that sporting excellence is built through persistence, preparation and the ability to recover under pressure. His latest title is not merely another entry in a trophy cabinet; it reflects the growing strength and visibility of Indian squash ahead of the Asian Games and the sport’s Olympic debut. Supporting athletes beyond the most popular sports can help create a more diverse and inclusive sporting culture in India.
As Singh prepares for his next challenge, can his latest triumph translate into another major medal for India at the Asian Games?
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