India’s teenage squash sensation Anahat Singh continued her impressive run at the JSW Indian Open 2026, booking her place in the women’s singles final with a composed 3-1 victory over compatriot Tanvi Khanna in Mumbai on Saturday.
The top seed will now face Egypt’s Hana Moataz in what promises to be a high-quality title clash.
In a semifinal that showcased both tactical intelligence and composure under pressure, Anahat once again underlined why she is considered one of the brightest prospects in world squash. The 11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2 scoreline reflected not just her dominance in phases, but also her ability to respond effectively when challenged.
Anahat began the match with authority, immediately imposing her structured style of play. Her length and accuracy from the back of the court put Tanvi under pressure early, forcing errors and limiting attacking opportunities. The opening game followed a clear pattern Anahat dictating rallies, controlling pace, and capitalising on loose returns to secure a comfortable 11-6 win.
Her movement across the court stood out, allowing her to transition seamlessly between defence and attack. More importantly, she maintained a disciplined shot selection, avoiding unnecessary risks while steadily building pressure.
The second game saw a shift in momentum. Tanvi raised her intensity, stepping up her attacking play and taking the ball earlier in rallies. This disrupted Anahat’s rhythm and forced the top seed into longer exchanges.
At crucial moments, Tanvi showed greater initiative, particularly in mid-rally situations where she looked to finish points more aggressively. The result was a tightly contested game that eventually went her way 11-9, levelling the match and injecting uncertainty into the contest.
For Anahat, this phase tested her adaptability an area that has become increasingly important as she transitions into higher levels of competition.
The third game proved decisive in shaping the outcome of the match. Tanvi started strongly once again, but Anahat responded by tightening her game. She began varying her pace more effectively, mixing attacking shots with controlled length to disrupt her opponent’s timing.
At 8-8, the match was finely balanced. It was here that Anahat’s composure made the difference. She executed key points with precision, avoiding unforced errors and capitalising on small openings to close out the game 11-8. This ability to manage high-pressure moments continues to set her apart. Rather than forcing winners, she relied on consistency and court awareness traits typically associated with far more experienced players.
Win Exciting Prizes by Playing Sports Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
With the momentum back in her favour, Anahat produced her most commanding phase of the match in the fourth game. She elevated her intensity, combining sharp movement with accurate shot placement to completely dominate proceedings. Tanvi, who had competed strongly for three games, struggled to keep pace as Anahat dictated rallies from the outset. The 11-2 scoreline reflected a player in complete control physically, tactically, and mentally.
It was a statement finish, reinforcing her status as the top seed and a strong contender for the title.
What stands out in Anahat Singh’s performance is not just her technical ability, but her growing maturity on court. Against a familiar opponent like Tanvi Khanna, she demonstrated adaptability adjusting her approach based on the flow of the match rather than sticking rigidly to a single game plan. Her ability to absorb pressure, reset after losing a game, and finish strongly highlights a player evolving rapidly at the professional level.
In the final, Anahat will face Egypt’s Hana Moataz, who advanced after a 3-1 win over compatriot Nadien Elhammamy. Moataz brings a different challenge altogether combining physicality with aggressive shot-making, typical of Egyptian players. For Anahat, the key will lie in maintaining her structure while handling the increased pace and attacking intent that Moataz is likely to bring. Controlling the tempo of rallies and staying disciplined in shot selection will be crucial.
Indian Women’s Squash on the Rise
Anahat’s run to the final, along with Tanvi Khanna’s semifinal appearance, highlights the growing depth in Indian women’s squash. With young players consistently competing at high levels, the transition from junior success to senior impact is becoming increasingly evident.
For Anahat, this final represents more than just a shot at the title it is another step in establishing herself as a consistent performer on the international circuit. Anahat Singh’s semifinal performance was a blend of control, resilience, and tactical awareness. While the match had its competitive phases, her ability to elevate her game at key moments ensured a deserved victory.
As she steps into the final, the challenge will intensify. But based on her current form and composure, Anahat appears well-equipped to handle the occasion.
The JSW Indian Open final now presents an opportunity not just to win a title, but to further cement her status as one of the most promising young players in world squash.
