Asian Games 2026: Quimcy Dsouza enters teqball semi-finals, India eyes historic medal

India moved closer to a historic teqball medal at the 2026 Asian Games as Quimcy Dsouza secured a place in the women’s singles semi-finals after two victories on September 18. Dsouza and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg also began their mixed-doubles campaign with a win.

Quimcy Dsouza advanced to the women’s singles semi-finals after winning both of her matches. She beat Japan’s Yuina Sakamoto 2-1 after recovering from losing the opening game, before progressing further in the competition.

The result puts Dsouza into the semi-final stage of teqball, which is making its Asian Games debut at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The women’s singles semi-finals are scheduled for September 19.

ALSO READ | Ind vs Afg 3rd T20I: Abhishek’s ton, bowlers hand India clinical 3-0 clean sweep

Mixed doubles also starts with a victory

Dsouza and Mohamed Anas Imran Beg have also opened their mixed-doubles campaign with a win. The Indian pair are competing in the group stage, with further matches against teams from Cambodia, Thailand and Kuwait scheduled as part of their campaign.

India's teqball contingent also includes Declan Marshall Gonsalves, who competes alongside Beg in the men's doubles event.

India records mixed results in soft tennis

India also began its soft tennis campaign. The Indian team recorded a win against Laos but lost to Chinese Taipei, producing mixed results in the men's team qualification competition.

Teqball is one of the new sports introduced at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The sport combines elements of football and table tennis and is played on a curved table, with players using body parts other than their hands and arms to return the ball.

Dsouza's progression to the semi-finals means India is now within one victory of securing a medal in the women's singles competition. The semi-final result will determine whether she advances to the final or competes for bronze.