Indian squash continues its steady rise on the global stage, and at the center of this momentum is Abhay Singh, who has achieved a career-best world ranking of No. 22.
The jump from World No. 25 to 22 comes on the back of a crucial performance on the PSA World Tour, underlining a phase of consistency and upward trajectory that now places him within touching distance of the elite top 20.
This ranking surge is not just a numerical improvement it reflects a structural shift in Singh’s competitive profile. His recent Round of 32 win at a Platinum-level event has provided a high-value points boost, something that is critical in the PSA’s ranking ecosystem where performances at top-tier tournaments carry disproportionate weight.
A Breakthrough Built on High-Level Exposure
The significance of Singh’s rise lies in where and how it has been achieved. Moving up the rankings today is less about accumulating wins at lower-tier events and more about delivering results against top-20 players in elite tournaments. Singh’s recent campaign reflects precisely that transition.
Competing in Platinum Tour events where the draw is stacked with the world’s best Singh has begun to consistently push higher-ranked opponents. His victory in the Round of 32 against a top-15 player marked a turning point, demonstrating his ability to handle the pace, tactical discipline, and physical intensity required at the highest level.
Even in matches he has lost, the margins have narrowed. Long five-game contests against top-10 opponents show that Singh is no longer just participating at this level he is competing.
Singh’s journey over the past 18 months illustrates a clear evolution. Previously active on the Challenger circuit, where ranking points are modest, he has strategically shifted towards PSA World Tour events. This decision has been pivotal.
The ranking system rewards quality over quantity. A single deep run in a Platinum or Gold event can outweigh multiple titles at lower levels. Singh’s recent results reflect an understanding of this dynamic, positioning him as a player targeting long-term ranking consolidation rather than short-term gains.
This transition also changes match dynamics. As a top-25 player, Singh is increasingly entering tournaments as a seeded player in mid-tier events, avoiding early clashes with top seeds and improving his chances of deeper runs.
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One of the defining features of Singh’s rise has been his technical refinement. Under the guidance of experienced coaching inputs, including exposure to global training environments, his game has evolved from an aggressive, high-risk style to a more controlled and structured approach.
His shot selection has improved significantly. Rather than relying on outright winners, Singh now builds rallies, stretches opponents, and finishes points with precision. This “controlled aggression” is essential at the elite level, where unforced errors can be decisive.
Physically, he has also bridged the gap. Elite squash demands exceptional endurance and explosive movement. Singh’s improved court coverage and recovery between rallies have allowed him to stay competitive in longer matches—an area where many emerging players struggle.
The Indian Squash Ecosystem
Singh’s rise is also reflective of a broader shift in Indian squash. For years, Saurav Ghosal carried the mantle as India’s lone presence in the global top tier. Today, there is a cluster of Indian players within the top 50, including Ramit Tandon and Veer Chotrani, creating a competitive domestic ecosystem.
This depth is crucial. Regular competition among players of similar standards pushes performance levels higher. Singh’s position as India No. 1 is therefore not just an achievement it is a responsibility he must continuously defend.
On the women’s side, the emergence of Anahat Singh into the global top 20 has further reinforced the belief that Indian squash is entering a new era.
While World No. 22 is a significant milestone, the next leap to the top 20 is arguably the most challenging. The points gap between rankings in this range is tight but demanding. His current points tally, built through a mix of Challenger success and recent World Tour performances, now requires higher-value results to progress further.
The upcoming calendar offers Singh an opportunity to make that leap. Events like the PSA World Championships and the British Open carry significant ranking points and prestige. A strong run in either could potentially push him into the top 20.
Additionally, mid-tier events such as Bronze and Silver tournaments present realistic opportunities for deep runs, where Singh could accumulate the points required to close the gap.
Bigger Picture: Road to LA 2028
Singh’s rise also comes at a crucial time for Indian squash, with the sport set to feature at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Breaking into the top 20 will not only improve his seeding but also strengthen his case as a medal contender at the continental and global level.
The Asian Games pathway, in particular, will be critical. A strong performance there could secure Olympic qualification and position Singh as one of India’s leading medal prospects in squash.
At 22 in the world, Abhay Singh stands at a critical juncture in his career. The transition from a top-30 player to a top-20 contender is often the hardest step in professional squash, requiring not just skill but consistency against the very best. However, the indicators are promising. His recent performances, improved tactical discipline, and exposure to high-level competition suggest that this rise is not temporary it is part of a sustained progression.
The statement “next target: top 20” is no longer aspirational. Based on current trajectory and performance metrics, it is a realistic, near-term objective.
And if this trend continues, Indian squash may soon have another regular name among the global elite.
