“India could become a top squash nation”

Anahat Singh plays squash with a composure and fearlessness that defy her age.

The Indian prodigy has been testing herself against the world’s elite since the age of 15 — and was often spotted completing schoolwork just outside the court before stepping in to compete.

Now 18, she has risen to World No. 20 in the PSA women's rankings, but the occasion still rarely unsettles her. Quite simply, she seems born to play on this stage.

“I've just been like that from the beginning. I don't really get that nervous before my matches, even when playing more experienced opponents,” Singh told Olympics.com.

“I feel like my age helps, as I don’t have much to lose on the court. I'm learning so much with every match, every point, and I'm really grateful for the experience, so there's nothing to be nervous about!”

Singh draws deep confidence from an astonishing résumé for someone so young. She first made squash headlines in 2019 by securing India’s first-ever title in the U-11 girls’ category at the prestigious British Open.

Two years later, in Philadelphia, she broke new ground again—becoming the first Indian woman to win a US Open title in any age division. In 2023, she medalled at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, claiming bronze in both the women’s team and mixed doubles events. That same year, she also became the second-youngest Indian national champion, achieving the feat at just 15.

Her momentum carried into 2025, where she captured the British Junior Open U-17 title and added multiple PSA Challenger titles to her growing collection.

Yet with every triumph, expectations continue to build around the Delhi-based teenager, in a country with a rich history in racket sports. Most recently, badminton star PV Sindhu inspired Singh, whose first sporting love was also badminton, and she credits it as a key influence on her development in squash.

“A badminton background definitely helps if you're a beginner due to the hand-eye coordination. Initially in squash, I was just beating everyone because my volleys were really good, and I think a lot of that came from badminton.

With squash set to make its Olympic debut at LA2028, Singh hopes to emulate two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion Sindhu in her sport.

“I actually spoke to her one-on-one in a video call because I was a huge fan, and my parents figured out a way I could talk to her. That was such a cool moment.”

Anahat Singh's training obstacles

Singh’s ascent to the top table of world squash is all the more remarkable given the obstacles she has overcome along the way.

In a country where cricket and hockey dominate the sporting landscape, other disciplines often struggle for visibility—and, with it, the funding and infrastructure needed to thrive. Squash, in particular, remains a developing sport, and for much of her journey, Singh has had to contend with a lack of high-level training partners in Delhi.

“India’s top players are still developing, and without consistent success at the biggest tournaments, squash doesn’t yet carry the same weight as some other sports,” she told us. “But things are changing. We’ve started winning more medals at the Asian Games and performing better on the PSA Tour, and that’s definitely helping. It’s a long road, but we’re getting there.”

Despite the challenges, Singh remains optimistic about the sport’s future in India.

“India definitely can be a top squash nation. The country does pretty well in every sport. We just need to increase the media coverage.

“In the past there weren't that many squash courts and coaches around who could help. Even now, one of my coaches lives in Bombay, which is a different city, while I train with players based in Calcutta, Chennai, and Bombay, so it does get really tough, but I think over the next few years it's definitely going to get a lot better.”

“But I feel like, as we've started winning many medals in the Asian Games over the past few years and doing a lot better in the PSA, that’s helped out a lot. It’s a long road, but we’re getting there.”

The sacrifices of being a squash prodigy don’t end there.

For as long as she can remember, Singh has loved horses. Yet riding is a passion she has never been able to fully pursue as her parents believe there are too many injury risks.

That affection for equine culture runs deep in the family. Her great-great-grandfather was a polo player, and both her grandfather and father surrounded themselves with paintings and images of horses.

“My dad loved painting them. So since I was a kid, I've been looking at them constantly, but my parents don't let me ride because apparently it's dangerous and they don't want me to get hurt. But it's my dream to one day go horse riding,” Singh said.

For now, she channels that passion in other ways. Singh has inherited the same creative instincts, finding enjoyment in art and music.

“Away from sport, I really love painting and drawing and playing the piano. I even did a two-year school project painting animals, but my teachers were concerned as I only painted horses!” - Anahat Singh to Olympics.com

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