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NAGOYA - Aira Azman kept her composure despite the pressure of playing the deciding match as Malaysia's women's squash team retained the team gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games today.
The 22-year-old, making her first appearance as the deciding player in a final, admitted to feeling slightly nervous when she faced Hong Kong after the tie was level at 1-1 at Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.
However, Aira rose to the occasion to produce her best performance and ensure Malaysia retained the title won at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
"It was a little nerve-racking going into this match because the score was 1-1 and I had never been the deciding player before.
"I am very happy with my performance today,” she said when met after the match.
The victory also highlighted the team's strong spirit, with Aira's teammates continuing to support one another despite one of them failing to produce the expected performance.
Meanwhile, S. Sivasangari admitted that she was not in peak physical condition after an energy- and emotionally-demanding singles campaign, compounded by a packed competition schedule ahead of the Games.
"I have been struggling for the past few days and tried to give everything I had. It was not the performance I wanted, but sometimes the body and mind are not in sync.
"However, this is a team event and my teammates helped a lot. I am disappointed with my performance today, but at the same time, I am very happy that we managed to win the gold,” she said.
The gold was Malaysia's seventh at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Malaysia's successful title defence also extended its dominance in the women's team squash event after winning gold at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will conclude on Oct 4. - BERNAMA
