Seventeen-year-old Anahat Singh produced the most significant performance of her young career at the Squash On Fire Open 2026, storming into her first-ever PSA Tour final with a fearless run that included wins over two players ranked well above her.
In Washington DC, the Indian prodigy not only announced herself on the world stage, but did so in the most convincing way possible by defeating some of the most experienced and established names in women’s squash.
Seeded seventh and ranked World No.31 coming into the tournament, Anahat was already viewed as one of the brightest young talents in the draw. What unfolded over the week, however, was something far more special. First came a thrilling comeback against Egypt’s Sana Ibrahim, the second seed and World No.17. Then followed a statement semi-final performance against American star Sabrina Sobhy, a former World No.13, whom Anahat outplayed to book her place in the final.
Together, those victories turned a promising campaign into a landmark moment for Indian squash.
The comeback that lit the spark
Anahat’s breakthrough moment came in the quarter-finals against Sana Ibrahim, a player known for her physicality, speed and relentless pressure. The match began in difficult fashion for the teenager. Ibrahim took the first two games 11–8, 11–8, controlling the rallies and forcing Anahat deep into the back corners.
But instead of retreating, Anahat responded with remarkable maturity. She began taking the ball earlier, cutting off Ibrahim’s angles and changing the pace of the rallies. The third game, which Anahat won 11–7, marked a turning point. Suddenly the Indian youngster was dictating play, moving her opponent from side to side and forcing errors.
The fourth and fifth games followed the same pattern. Anahat won them 11–8 and 11–7, completing a stunning 3–2 comeback that showcased both her physical resilience and her growing tactical awareness. From two games down against the World No.17, she had turned the match around with calmness and clarity qualities rarely seen in a 17-year-old on such a stage.
That victory alone would have made headlines. But Anahat was only getting started.
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Waiting in the semi-finals was Sabrina Sobhy, one of the most accomplished American squash players of her generation and a former World No.13. Sobhy has built her career on pace, power and precision — attributes that often overwhelm younger players.
Anahat, however, played with the authority of someone far more experienced. From the opening rallies, she took control of the T, cut off Sobhy’s attacks, and used her soft hands around the front of the court to disrupt the American’s rhythm. The Indian teenager repeatedly drew errors from Sobhy by mixing tight length with clever drop shots, forcing her opponent to cover every inch of the court.
Winning 3–1, Anahat didn’t just defeat Sobhy she outplayed her. It was a composed, disciplined performance that highlighted how far her game has evolved, not just technically but mentally. Against a seasoned PSA campaigner, Anahat showed no nerves, no hesitation, and no sense of occasion only focus.
With that victory, she became the youngest Indian in recent times to reach a PSA Tour final, and the first of her generation to do so on the professional circuit.
A historic final awaits
Now, standing between Anahat and the biggest title of her career is Georgina Kennedy, the top seed and one of the most consistent performers on the PSA Tour. The final represents a massive challenge, but also a priceless opportunity for the Indian teenager. Regardless of the outcome, Anahat’s run at the Squash On Fire Open has already redefined what is possible for young Indian players on the world stage. Reaching a PSA final at 17 is rare in any era. Doing so by defeating the World No.17 and a former World No.13 makes it extraordinary.
Veer Chotrani’s brave run
While Anahat stole the spotlight, Indian men’s squash also had reason to celebrate. Veer Chotrani enjoyed a memorable campaign, highlighted by a stunning upset of France’s Baptiste Masotti (World No.19) earlier in the tournament. His quarter-final defeat to Declan James ended the run, but not before he had demonstrated the depth and competitiveness emerging from India’s men’s side. Together, Anahat and Veer showed that Indian squash is no longer merely participating on the PSA Tour it is competing.
A glimpse of the future
Anahat Singh’s rise has been steady, but this week in Washington marked a shift from potential to performance. Her ability to recover from adversity against Sana Ibrahim and then dismantle a proven professional like Sabrina Sobhy speaks volumes about her temperament and preparation.
More importantly, it signals that Indian squash has a genuine contender for the global elite in the years to come. At an age when most players are still transitioning from junior to senior competition, Anahat is already standing toe-to-toe with the world’s best and winning.
As she steps onto the court for the final against Georgina Kennedy, she does so not as an underdog, but as a player who has already earned her place in the spotlight. Win or lose, Anahat Singh has arrived and Indian squash will be watching closely as she takes the next step in what promises to be a remarkable career.
