(January 15, 2025) When Anahat Singh walked onto the court at the British Open U-17 this January, all eyes were on the 16-year-old prodigy from India. By the time she had battled her way through a tough field of competitors, including some of the strongest players from Egypt, and held the winner’s trophy in her hands, it was clear — this wasn’t just another title. It was a bold statement from a teenager who dreams of standing on the Olympic podium when squash makes its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. For someone so young, Anahat plays with the composure of a seasoned pro and the drive of an athlete determined to leave her mark.
But for Anahat, the win is just a milestone in her journey. “I have so much left to achieve. This is just one step. There are bigger tournaments ahead, and I know there’s still a lot to work on.” Her focus remains firmly on what lies ahead.
Anahat Singh
From Badminton to Squash: The Start of an Incredible Journey
Anahat’s journey in sports didn’t begin with squash. At the age of six, she was drawn to badminton after watching her idol, PV Sindhu, play at the India Open. It wasn’t long before she picked up a badminton racket, competing in youth tournaments with effortless ease. But life had other plans. With her elder sister Amira excelling as one of India’s top U-19 squash players, Anahat often found herself tagging along to squash tournaments. It was there, amidst the sound of the ball hitting the wall, that a new love story began. Squash quickly became her calling, setting her on a path that would soon redefine her life.
“Anahat loved badminton, but travelling with Amira to tournaments meant she couldn’t help but fall for squash. The sound of the ball hitting the wall, the pace of the rallies—it captured her,” recalls her mother, Tani Vadehra.
At just eight years old, Anahat swapped her badminton racket for a squash racket, and the results were almost immediate. Guided initially by her sister and later by national-level players Amjad Khan and Ashraf Hussein, Anahat quickly began dominating age-group competitions.
A Trailblazer in Indian Squash
By the time she was 11, Anahat was already the top-ranked player in India in her age category. Her talent and drive propelled her onto the international stage, where she made history in 2019 by becoming the first Indian girl to win gold at the U-11 British Open. That same year, she clinched a bronze medal at the Asian Junior Squash Championships, showing the world that India had a new squash sensation.
Even the pandemic couldn’t dim her momentum. In 2021, she returned to the court with a bang, winning the U-15 title at the US Open Junior Squash Championship. Anahat became the first Indian female player to achieve this feat, an accomplishment that still fills her with pride. The following year, she added gold medals at the Asian Junior Championships in Thailand and at the German and Dutch Opens to her trophy collection.
Currently ranked 82nd in the world, a career-best, Anahat is breaking new ground in a sport that has often struggled to find the spotlight in India.
Lessons from Legends
Anahat’s growth in squash has been influenced by the people around her. Training with Indian squash legends like Joshna Chinappa, Dipika Pallikal, and Saurav Ghosal has taught her valuable lessons about the mental and physical challenges of the sport. “I grew up watching them on TV, and now I get to train with them. Seeing how they approach the game, both on and off the court, has been an incredible learning experience,” she says.
Under the guidance of her French coach Stephane Galifi, Anahat is now transitioning to senior-level competition, fine-tuning her game to take on seasoned opponents. “The goal is to get to a stage where I can hold my own against senior players and give them a tough fight,” she shares.
A Dream for LA 2028
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics hold a special place in Anahat’s vision for the future. Squash will make its debut at the Games, and for Anahat, it’s the ultimate dream to represent India on that global stage. “I would love to be the face of India’s Olympic squash dreams. It’s every athlete’s dream to be at the Olympics and win a medal for their country,” she says.
Anahat knows the road to LA won’t be easy. Competing in senior tournaments and consistently improving her game are top priorities. “The competition is going to be very tough, but I believe that if I train properly, I’ll be on the right track,” she says.
Her vision for the Olympics isn’t just personal. “There was a time when people didn’t even know squash existed. I feel that once we start playing in the Olympics, the situation will change completely,” she explains. Anahat wants her achievements to inspire the next generation of players and bring the sport the recognition it deserves.
The Making of a Champion
What sets Anahat apart isn’t just her talent but her relentless drive to keep improving. Whether it’s waking up for early training sessions, travelling to international tournaments, or learning from her idols, she’s fully committed to her craft. At just 16, she’s already an inspiration for young athletes across India.
From the badminton courts of Delhi to the squash courts of the world, Anahat Singh’s journey is proof that with focus and passion, dreams can be turned into reality. As she gears up for more challenges and bigger stages, one thing is clear—this is just the beginning for India’s rising squash star.
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