Phuket: India's Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu held his own to defeat Hong Kong's Yip Tsz Fung in three games in an exciting squash final to claim the gold medal in the Asian Beach Games here Sunday.
Earlier, Kush Kumar and Aparajitha Balamurukan won the bronze each to take India's squash haul to three.
Like in the Incheon Asian Games, Harinder showed his resilience and class to once again emphasise his growing stature as he won 7-2, 5-7, 7-3.
Harinder said: "This is a superb tournament and I am proud to win a gold medal for my country. It has been a memorable week. First I was honoured when IOA selected me to carry the Indian flag at the opening ceremony and now I am going home with a gold medal. Playing in the outdoor setting was special."
Summing up the event, technical delegate Cyrus Poncha said: "I wish to thank the WSF, OCA, ASF and ASBA and all the participants including the Competition Manager, Akarin Hiranpruecks for the huge success. The big response is proof that squash is a truly global sport and can be played anywhere and anytime. The sport is here to stay in the Games."
