Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh delivered a remarkable comeback victory in the JSW Indian Open quarterfinals at Bombay Gymkhana, overcoming Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy in a thrilling five-game battle. The 17-year-old showcased resilience and tactical brilliance, securing a crucial win as she transitions from junior dominance to the senior professional circuit.
A Crucial Win in Her Career Transition
Trailing 1-2 in the best-of-five match and facing a 1-3 deficit in the fourth game, Anahat staged a stunning turnaround to defeat Elhammamy—a player who had bested her twice in junior competitions. With the World Junior Championships approaching in July, this victory not only serves as redemption but also as a confidence boost for the rising Indian star.
“The transition from juniors to seniors is completely different,” said Anahat. “In juniors, my basic game was strong enough to win, but in seniors, factors like strength, fitness, and nutrition play a much bigger role.”
The Challenge of Senior Circuit Squash
Anahat, who recently turned 17, is navigating a demanding phase in her career as she competes in both junior and senior tournaments. With squash set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, she now has to focus on maintaining a strong PSA (Professional Squash Association) ranking to stay in contention for future Olympic qualification.
Currently ranked No. 68 in the PSA rankings, she is gradually earning entry into more elite tournaments. Unlike junior competitions, where raw talent often sufficed, the senior circuit demands enhanced physicality, strategic adjustments, and mental resilience.
“In seniors, matches aren’t just about skill. Mental conditioning is key, and handling pressure effectively is just as important as playing well,” Anahat explained.
Balancing Strength Training and Tournament Play
To compete at the highest level, Anahat is focusing on building strength—an essential component of senior squash. However, with a packed tournament schedule, finding time for intensive training remains a challenge.
“During tournaments, I can’t train too hard because of the risk of soreness or injury. Once the season slows down, I’ll dedicate more time to the gym,” she said.
Her mentor, Indian squash legend Saurav Ghosal, emphasized a step-by-step approach to her progression.
“There are a lot of changes she needs to make to her game, but we’re only introducing them gradually. The goal is to reach the Top 10 in the world, and for that, we have to be patient,” Ghosal noted.
Olympic Aspirations and Ranking Priorities
While the qualification criteria for the Olympics remain complex, Anahat understands the importance of maintaining a high PSA ranking to ensure eligibility.
“You don’t want to be stressing at the last moment about whether you’ll qualify,” she said. “Right now, the focus is on consistently improving and securing a strong ranking to stay in the race.”
The Road Ahead
As she continues to bridge the gap between junior dominance and senior success, Anahat Singh’s journey is one of perseverance and adaptation. With a growing presence in elite competitions and a relentless drive to improve, she is well on her way to making a mark on the global squash stage.
Anahat Singh, Indian squash, JSW Indian Open, PSA ranking, senior squash circuit, squash Olympics 2028, World Junior Championships, squash fitness, Saurav Ghosal, India squash news
