Anahat Singh Powers Into the Final of the SRFI India Open Squash Challenger 15K

Indian squash continues to find its spark in a new generation of fearless, attacking talent and at the forefront of this wave stands Anahat Singh, just 17 years old and already rewriting expectations.

At the SRFI India Open Squash Challenger 15K, held this week, Anahat produced one of her most determined performances of the season, fighting from a game down to defeat Ireland’s Hannah Craig and book her place in the tournament final.

Her thrilling 3–2 victory (11-4, 10-12, 9-11, 11-6, 11-4) against the World No. 67 was not just a semifinal win it was a statement of maturity, resilience, and competitive fire. For a teenager who has been on a rapid rise over the past two years, this win marks another significant step in her transition from a promising junior to a serious force on the senior international circuit.

Anahat began the semifinals with complete authority, taking the opening game 11-4 with her trademark high tempo and early ball striking. Her ability to control the T and rush opponents with her quick movement has long been her strength, and she displayed it in full in the opening exchanges.

However, Craig responded aggressively in the second and third games, slowing the rallies, adding more height to her shots, and forcing Anahat into longer baseline exchanges. The Irishwoman squeezed out the second game 12-10 and then edged the third 11-9, suddenly flipping the match from routine to a real test of Anahat’s adaptability and patience.

At 1–2 down, the pressure was squarely on the Indian youngster.

What followed was a remarkable shift. Anahat regrouped, increased her attacking intent without rushing, and began stepping forward earlier to cut off Craig’s lofted shots. She took the fourth game 11-6 by reasserting control of the middle of the court.

In the decider, she was ruthless. A dominant 11-4 finish sealed her place in the final, underlining her ability to not just fight back, but to finish strongly often the hallmark of a future top-tier athlete.

The semifinal comeback overshadowed another superb performance from Anahat earlier in the event. In the quarterfinals, she was at her most clinical, dispatching Germany’s Katerina Tycova in straight games 11-5, 11-1, 11-4. That victory showcased the version of Anahat that squash followers have become excited about a player who takes time away from opponents with her fast racket preparation, finds sharp angles at will, and maintains relentless pressure until the rally cracks open.

Her quarterfinal win was arguably her smoothest match of the tournament, and one that set up her later battle with Craig.

A Rising Star With Big Ambitions

For those who have followed her trajectory, Anahat Singh’s rise has been steady but impressive. From junior continental titles to podium finishes on the PSA Challenger tour, she has made a habit of punching above her age category. Her style aggressive, energetic, and calculated mirrors the modern shift in the global women’s game, making her progression feel both timely and sustainable.

What also stands out is her composure. Being able to recover mentally from a mid-match slump and take control of the final two games against a more experienced world-ranked opponent reflects both her training base and her competitive mindset. The India Open Challenger final now presents one of the biggest opportunities of her young senior career. A title at this level would provide not just ranking points, but also valuable confidence as she moves into larger PSA events in 2026.

What This Means for Indian Squash

Indian squash has long produced world-class players from Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa to Saurav Ghosal and Mahesh Mangaonkar. But the next wave of athletes is already beginning to form, and Anahat is firmly at its forefront. Her success at home in this Challenger event is symbolic of the ecosystem that SRFI and India’s squash centres have been building: a competitive pathway that allows young talent to transition into the professional game without fear.

With her semifinal triumph and overall level of play this week, Anahat has demonstrated that she is ready for the next step.

As she prepares for the final, one thing is clear Anahat Singh is no longer just a rising junior talent. She is a legitimate contender in Challenger-level events and a name that the PSA circuit will increasingly take note of over the coming months.

Standing tall after a gritty 3–2 win, she has shown that she can attack, defend, adapt, and endure all essential traits for a successful squash professional.

If this week is any indication, Indian squash has found its next star.

Well done, Anahat. The final awaits.