Hangzhou
Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu won the gold medal in the mixed doubles squash event at the 19th Asian Games. They became the first pair to win gold as mixed doubles made its Asian Games debut in Hangzhou.
In the final, Dipika and Harinder faced a tough battle against the Malaysian pair of Aifa Binti Azman and Mohammad Syafiq Bin Mohad Kamal. The Indian pair survived a match point in the second game to win 11-10, 11-10 and claim the gold medal.
Harinder revealed that he had hidden his gold medal from the squash team competition under his bed and was advised not to think about it before the mixed doubles final. He credited Dipika for helping him settle down during the match.
The Indians had a big lead at 9-2 in the second game, but the Malaysians fought back to take a 10-9 lead. However, Dipika and Harinder won the next two points to clinch victory in straight games.
Dipika, who had to shed weight she gained during childbirth in 2021 and get fit, expressed her joy at being considered an inspiration for women who continue their sports careers after marriage and childbirth. She encouraged women not to think their careers were over after having children.
Dipika and Harinder’s gold medal win was the result of their hard work and dedication, and they celebrated their achievement with their family and friends.
