Indian squash enjoyed a defining moment on Sunday as Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh clinched the men’s and women’s titles respectively at the JSW Indian Open 2026 in Mumbai.
In front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), both players delivered commanding performances to underline India’s growing stature in global squash.
The finals showcased two contrasting narratives an all-Indian men’s title clash that highlighted depth in the domestic circuit, and a women’s final where a young Indian star outplayed an experienced international opponent.
Abhay Dominates All-Indian Men’s Final
The men’s final saw second seed Abhay Singh take on fourth seed Veer Chotrani in what promised to be a closely contested encounter. While the opening exchanges lived up to expectations, Abhay’s ability to raise his level at crucial moments proved decisive as he secured a straight-games victory, 11-9, 11-8, 11-4.
The first game set the tone for the contest, with both players engaging in long rallies and testing each other’s movement and shot selection. Chotrani matched Abhay point for point, but the latter’s composure in high-pressure rallies allowed him to edge the game 11-9.
The second game followed a similar pattern. Chotrani continued to push hard, using variation and attacking angles to stay in contention. However, Abhay’s superior court coverage and ability to dictate the pace of rallies helped him pull away at key moments, sealing the game 11-8.
With a two-game advantage, Abhay shifted gears in the third. His shot-making became sharper, and his deceptive angles began to trouble Chotrani significantly. The rallies shortened as Abhay took control, closing out the game 11-4 to secure the title in emphatic fashion.
Reflecting on his victory, Abhay highlighted the broader progress of Indian squash. He pointed to the increasing number of Indian players in the world’s top rankings and emphasised the importance of collective growth as the sport builds towards major international targets, including the Los Angeles Olympics.
Anahat Continues Her Rise
In the women’s final, top seed Anahat Singh produced a composed and high-quality performance to defeat Egypt’s Hana Moataz 3-1 (11-5, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6), successfully defending her title.
Despite Moataz’s experience and resilience, Anahat’s pace and precision proved too much to handle. The opening game was competitive early on, with both players trading points. However, Anahat broke away midway through the game, stringing together six consecutive points to take it 11-5.
She carried that momentum into the second game, racing to an early lead and maintaining control throughout. Her ability to combine quick movement with accurate shot placement allowed her to dictate rallies, closing out the game 11-6.
Moataz, however, showed her quality in the third game. Adjusting her approach, she slowed down the pace and introduced more variation into her shots. The change disrupted Anahat’s rhythm, and the Egyptian edged the game 11-9 to stay alive in the contest.
The fourth game began with Moataz taking an early lead, momentarily putting pressure on the Indian. But Anahat responded with maturity beyond her years. Regaining control, she levelled the score and then surged ahead with a series of well-constructed rallies. A run of five consecutive points sealed the game 11-6, and with it, the championship.
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Both champions demonstrated not just technical excellence but also strong mental resilience. Abhay’s ability to absorb pressure in the early stages and then elevate his performance highlighted his maturity and tactical awareness. His control over rally length and shot selection was a defining factor in the final.
Anahat, on the other hand, showcased her evolution as a player. Her ability to recover from the third-game setback and respond decisively in the fourth reflected improved game management and composure under pressure. The twin victories mark a significant milestone for Indian squash. An all-Indian men’s final, combined with a dominant performance in the women’s draw, underscores the depth and quality emerging from the country’s squash ecosystem.
With multiple Indian players now competing consistently at higher levels, the sport appears to be entering a new phase of growth. The performances at the JSW Indian Open 2026 reinforce the belief that India can not only produce world-class players but also sustain success across both men’s and women’s categories.
For Abhay Singh, the title adds momentum to a crucial phase in his career as he targets consistency on the international circuit. For Anahat Singh, the victory further cements her status as one of the brightest young talents in world squash. As the season progresses, both players will look to build on this success, with bigger challenges awaiting on the global stage. But for now, the JSW Indian Open 2026 will be remembered as a tournament where Indian squash truly came into its own, driven by two standout champions who delivered when it mattered most.
