Introduction
For decades, Indian squash has been a story of near-misses and gallant efforts. But a new chapter began on a sunlit court in Chicago when Anahat Singh, a 17-year-old from New Delhi, lifted the World Junior Squash Championship trophy. It wasn’t just a title—it was a statement. India had its first world champion in squash, and the Olympic dream suddenly felt closer than ever.
With the LA 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Anahat’s meteoric rise has infused the Indian sports ecosystem with a fresh wave of optimism. Her victory is being hailed as a watershed moment, not only for squash but for India’s pursuit of sporting excellence on the global stage.
Who is Anahat Singh?
Born in 2009, Anahat Singh grew up in a family that valued sport. Her father, a former national-level squash player, introduced her to the game at age 6. By 10, she was already winning state tournaments; by 14, she had broken into the junior national circuit. Today, she is the World Junior Champion and the youngest Indian to win a senior PSA (Professional Squash Association) title.
Historic World Junior Championship Victory
In July 2026, Anahat Singh etched her name into the history books. Competing in the World Junior Squash Championships in Chicago, she powered through a formidable draw, defeating the top seed from Egypt in the semifinals and outclassing the defending champion from England in a gripping final (3–1). Her composure, racket skills, and court coverage were nothing short of world-class.
This victory ended India’s long wait for a world squash title. Previously, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa had reached world rankings in the top 10 but never claimed a world junior crown. Anahat’s triumph is the first of its kind—a beacon for the next generation.
Career Journey & Major Achievements
Anahat’s career has been a steady ascent. She turned professional at 15 and quickly made waves. Some of her major milestones include:
- 2023: Won the Asian Junior Squash Championships (U-15) without dropping a game.
- 2024: Became the youngest Indian to win a PSA Challenger event (Chennai Open).
- 2025: Reached the quarterfinals of the British Junior Open, beating three top-10 seeds.
- 2026: WORLD CHAMPION – World Junior Squash Champion.
In addition, she has received the Sportstar Young Achiever Award and a special mention from the Squash Rackets Federation of India.
Playing Style & Strengths
Anahat Singh is often described as a “powerful retriever” with a deceptive drop shot. Her game is built on exceptional footwork, rapid recovery, and an uncanny ability to read opponents’ shots early. Unlike many junior players who rely solely on power, Anahat blends aggressive drives with delicate touches, making her unpredictable.
Her mental fortitude is equally impressive—she rarely shows signs of pressure, a trait that has drawn comparisons with world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini.
Road to LA 2028 Olympics
Squash will make its Olympic debut at LA 2028, and Anahat Singh is positioning herself as a medal contender. With three years to go, she has a clear development plan: breaking into the PSA top 20, gaining experience against elite players, and fine-tuning her physical conditioning for the five-set format.
Her team has already lined up training stints in England and Egypt—the powerhouses of squash—to ensure she adapts to different playing styles. Experts believe that with her current trajectory, Anahat could be seeded in the top 8 by 2027.
Why This Win Matters for India
For Indian squash, the World Junior title is not just a trophy—it is validation. It proves that Indian players can compete and conquer at the highest level. It also boosts the sport’s visibility, attracting sponsors, better infrastructure, and more young players to the game.
From an Olympic perspective, Anahat’s success shifts the narrative from “participation” to “medal prospects.” Her victory has galvanized the Squash Rackets Federation of India to launch a dedicated Olympic preparation program, ensuring she receives world-class support.
Expert Analysis & Future Predictions
Squash analysts are unanimous in their praise. “Anahat possesses the rare combination of technical precision and psychological resilience,” says former world No. 3 and commentator. “She moves like a veteran and hits with venom. In three years, she could be a genuine medal threat.”
Predictions for LA 2028: If she continues her progress, a semifinal finish is realistic, and with a favourable draw, even a medal is not out of the question. Her biggest challenge will be the depth of Egyptian and English players, but she has already proven she can beat them.
Indian Squash History – A Brief Context
India’s squash journey has been shaped by pioneers like Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa, who broke into the PSA top 10 and won multiple international medals. However, a world junior title had always eluded India. Anahat Singh has now filled that void, and she stands on the shoulders of these giants while carving her own path.
With the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics, the interest in squash is skyrocketing, and Anahat is at the centre of this revolution.
Future Challenges
While the future looks bright, Anahat faces hurdles: managing expectations, avoiding injuries, and navigating the pressure of being India’s poster girl. She will also need to adapt to the senior tour’s demanding schedule and consistently perform against top-20 players. However, her support system and mental coach are already working on these aspects.
📅 Career Timeline
📊 Career Statistics (as of July 2026)
| Tournament | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| World Junior Championship | 2026 | 🏆 Winner |
| British Junior Open | 2025 | Quarterfinal |
| Asian Junior Championship | 2023 | Gold (U-15) |
| PSA Chennai Open | 2024 | Winner |
| National Junior Championship | 2022 | Runner-up |
🧐 Interesting Facts About Anahat Singh
- She is ambidextrous but plays squash with her right hand.
- Her favourite shot is the backhand cross-court drop.
- She listens to classical music before matches to stay calm.
- She idolises Roger Federer for his grace under pressure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🏁 Conclusion
Anahat Singh’s World Junior Championship victory is more than a personal milestone—it is a turning point for Indian squash. With the LA 2028 Olympics approaching, she embodies the hopes of a billion-plus nation. Her journey from the courts of Delhi to the world stage is a testament to talent, hard work, and relentless ambition.
If she continues her meteoric rise, there is every reason to believe that Anahat Singh will not just participate in the Olympics but will stand on the podium with a medal around her neck. India’s squash future has never looked brighter.
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