Sweet redemption for Eain Yow as Malaysia reclaim Asiad team gold

NAGOYA: Eain Yow's triumphant return to win the men's team gold medal at the Asian Games was a sweet vindication for the squash player, following his bitter disappointment in the 2018 Hangzhou Games. Malaysia secured the gold they had last claimed at the 2018 Indonesia Games, defeating Pakistan 2-0 in the final. In Hangzhou, Malaysia suffered a 2-0 defeat to India, with Eain Yow himself falling to Saurav Ghosal in the semi-finals, thwarting their gold medal defense.

The loss in Hangzhou was particularly hard-hitting for Yow, who had already won the men's singles gold in Hangzhou. Arriving with renewed determination, the world No. 18 led Malaysia to the men's team gold title, winning both his individual and team medals in impressive style. "I am thrilled," Yow said, "I am almost lost for words because I had to dig really deep today. My opponent played exceptionally well, and I haven't been pushed this hard over the past fortnight."

Yow's triumph was a testament to his resilience after his Hangzhou defeat. The setback had left him deeply frustrated, as he had scored the winning point in his debut in 2018, but felt he had let his team down by losing to the Indian player in the team final. However, he was determined to make a significant contribution this time, and he did so in commanding fashion, overcoming his opponents in a display of grit and skill.

With this victory, Malaysia's squash team now holds four gold medals, matching their tally from the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.