Indian women’s squash took centre stage at the JSW Indian Open 2026 in Mumbai as Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna delivered commanding performances to book their places in the semifinals.
On a day marked by composure, tactical clarity, and breakthrough execution, the two Indians ensured that at least one home player will feature in the final, setting up a highly anticipated all-Indian semifinal. While the exit of veteran Joshna Chinappa provided a moment of disappointment for the home crowd, the performances of Anahat and Tanvi reinforced the depth and progression of Indian women’s squash at the elite level.
Anahat Singh: Precision, Control, and Authority
Top seed Anahat Singh once again underlined her status as the tournament favourite with a dominant straight-games victory over Malaysia’s Sehveetrraa Kumar, winning 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 11-4).
From the outset, Anahat dictated the tempo of the match with remarkable control. The opening game was a statement of intent she raced through it 11-2, barely allowing Kumar any rhythm. Her shot selection was sharp, her movement efficient, and her ability to control the T-position ensured that she remained in command of rallies.
The second game saw Kumar attempt to push back, increasing the pace and trying to disrupt Anahat’s flow. However, Anahat responded with tactical maturity, blending attacking strokes with clever deception. Her ability to vary angles and pace made it difficult for her opponent to settle, and she closed the game 11-6.
By the third game, the pattern was firmly established. Anahat controlled proceedings with precision, forcing errors and capitalising on loose returns. The 11-4 finish reflected not just dominance, but efficiency—she expended minimal energy while maintaining a high level of performance.
This victory further highlighted Anahat’s evolution as a player. Beyond her natural attacking instincts, she now exhibits greater patience, improved rally construction, and the ability to manage matches without unnecessary risks.
Tanvi Khanna: Breakthrough Performance Under Pressure
If Anahat’s win was about control, Tanvi Khanna’s performance was defined by resilience and execution under pressure. The unseeded Indian produced one of the standout results of the tournament, upsetting fourth seed Ainaa Amani 3-1 (11-6, 7-11, 11-5, 11-8).
Tanvi started the match with confidence, taking the opening game 11-6 through aggressive play and smart court positioning. She looked comfortable dictating rallies and was quick to punish any loose shots from Amani. However, the Malaysian responded strongly in the second game, raising her intensity and levelling the match at 1-1 with a 11-7 win. At that stage, the momentum appeared to be shifting.
What followed, though, showcased Tanvi’s mental strength. Instead of retreating into defensive play, she reasserted herself in the third game, tightening her shot selection and maintaining better length. Her 11-5 win in that game was a turning point, allowing her to regain control of the contest.
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The fourth game was the most competitive phase of the match, with both players trading points and testing each other’s consistency. Tanvi’s ability to hold her nerve in crucial moments proved decisive. She closed out the game 11-8, sealing a memorable victory and her place in the semifinals. This performance marked a significant milestone in Tanvi’s campaign, demonstrating her ability to compete and win against higher-ranked opponents on a big stage.
What makes the upcoming semifinal particularly intriguing is the contrast in styles between the two Indians. Anahat thrives on precision, control, and structured rally building, while Tanvi brings a mix of aggression and adaptability. Both players, however, share a common strength the ability to raise their level in key moments. Their quarterfinal performances showed composure under pressure, efficient execution, and a clear understanding of match dynamics.
A Shift in Indian Women’s Squash
The presence of two Indian players in the semifinals is a reflection of the progress Indian women’s squash has made in recent years. With players gaining more exposure on the PSA Tour and benefiting from improved domestic competition, the gap with international opponents is steadily narrowing.
Anahat’s rise as a consistent performer and Tanvi’s breakthrough run signal a broader shift Indian players are no longer just participants, but genuine contenders in international events.
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Saturday’s all-Indian semifinal guarantees a compelling contest. For Anahat, the objective will be to maintain her dominance and continue her march towards the title. For Tanvi, it presents an opportunity to build on her momentum and produce another upset. Beyond the result, the match represents a significant moment for Indian squash a clash between two players at different stages of their journeys, both pushing the boundaries of their game.
As the tournament approaches its final stages, the spotlight firmly rests on Anahat Singh and Tanvi Khanna. Their performances have already ensured a strong Indian presence in the closing rounds, but the ambition will now be to go one step further.
With confidence high and momentum on their side, both players have positioned themselves as central figures in the tournament narrative. The semifinal will not just decide a finalist it will showcase the evolving standard of Indian women’s squash on the international stage.
