Anahat Singh will be India’s best bet for medal in squash

At just 15, Delhi-born squash prodigy Anahat Singh has made her mark on the international stage, achieving milestones beyond her years. With two bronze medals at the 2023 Asian Games and a rapid ascent through the ranks, Anahat is India’s brightest hope for squash glory at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. She’s not only India’s youngest squash champion but a serious contender for the world stage, where her tenacity, skill, and youthful spirit promise an inspiring future.

Rising Talent: Anahat Singh early steps into Squash

Born on March 13, 2008, in Delhi, Anahat grew up in a sports-loving family. Her father, Gursharan Singh, a lawyer, and her mother, Tani Vadehra Singh, an interior designer, instilled an active lifestyle in their children. Anahat’s sister Amira, who plays squash for Harvard University, was a key influence on Anahat’s journey. Although badminton was Anahat’s first passion, inspired by watching PV Sindhu at the India Open, she eventually transitioned to squash at eight to keep up with her sister.

“Anahat loved badminton but as parents, we used to travel with Amira for tournaments, and Anahat did not want to be left alone in the house. That played a big part in her switching to squash from badminton,” recalls her mother, Tani Vadehra. Anahat’s own connection to squash deepened: “I was drawn to it because I loved the noise of the ball hitting the wall,” she says.

Early Wins and International Success

Guided by coaches Amjad Khan, Ashraf Hussein, and her sister Amira, Anahat quickly rose to the top of the national under-11 squash rankings and then dominated the under-13 category across Asia and Europe. Her breakthrough came in 2019 when she won gold in the under-11 category at the British Open, becoming the first Indian to do so.

After the pandemic, Anahat returned with remarkable resilience, winning the 2021 US Open in the under-15 category and the 2022 Asian Junior Squash Championship. That same year, she joined India’s squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she marked her debut with a victory over Jada Ross in the round of 64.

Stellar Year at Asian Games and Beyond: Anahat Singh

In 2023, Anahat won the British Junior Open girls’ under-15 title and then the under-17 title at the Asian Junior Championships in China. Her performance at the Asian Games, where she won two bronze medals, further solidified her place among India’s top athletes. Abhay Singh, her partner in the mixed doubles event at the Asian Games, admired her composure and spirit. “When people look at a 15-year-old girl, they think ‘oh, she needs to gain some experience’. Absolutely not. She’s such a fighter,” said Abhay. “She looks at life in a very relaxed, fun way, so you can’t be very serious around her.”

National Titles and Dominance in 2024

Anahat’s journey continued to soar in 2024 as she secured six PSA Challenger titles, including the JSW Willingdon Little Masters, the Hamdard Squashters Northern Slam, and the HCL Squash Tour. Her performance on the national circuit remained unmatched, and she successfully defended her Indian senior and junior national titles, affirming her position as the country’s top squash player.

Anahat Singh achievements: Medal Haul by Age 15

• British Open (U-11): Gold (2019)
• Asian Junior Championships (U-15): Gold (2022)
• US Open (U-15): Champion (2021) – First Indian to win in any age category
• British Junior Open (U-15): Gold (2023)
• Asian Junior Championships (U-17): Gold (2023)
• Asian Games: Bronze (Women’s Team, Mixed Doubles) (2023)
• National Champion: 2023, 2024
• Scottish Junior Open (U-19): Champion (2023)

Eyes on Future: Aiming for LA 2028 Olympics

As Anahat Singh looks toward the 2028 Olympics, her technique, speed, and composure on the court make her a formidable competitor. Her coach Ritwick Bhattacharya compares her fluid, strategic play to legendary Pakistani player Jansher Khan. With her dedication and natural athleticism, she’s well on her way to etching her name in the history books.

Anahat’s journey to LA 2028 is one of growth and promise, and as she continues to develop, she could be the athlete to bring India its first Olympic medal in squash. For now, fans and fellow athletes look on, cheering as she forges her path to greatness.