Indian squash is enjoying a bright moment on the PSA Tour as Anahat Singh and Akanksha Salunkhe have both stormed into the semi-finals of the NSW Bega Open Squash 2025, a PSA Copper event in Australia.
Their impressive runs mean India is guaranteed two chances at making history if either player lifts the title, it would be the first-ever Copper Tour victory for an Indian. Anahat Singh, the top seed in Bega, has looked every bit the tournament favourite so far. The young prodigy began her campaign in the Round of 16 with a clinical win over Sarah Cardwell of Australia 🇦🇺, taking the match 3-0 without giving her opponent much breathing room. Using her trademark deceptive drops and quick pace, Anahat controlled the rallies from the outset, setting the tone for the week.
In the quarter-final, she faced South Africa’s Hayley Ward and was once again in imperious form. The 3-0 victory (straight games) underlined her dominance precise shot-making, sharp movement, and an ability to finish points early proved too much for Ward to handle. With these back-to-back commanding performances, Anahat enters the semi-finals full of confidence, set to face Nour Khafagy in what promises to be a test of both skill and mental discipline. The match-up will demand patience, as Khafagy is known for her steady play and counter-attacking ability.
While Anahat’s route to the semis has been straightforward, Akanksha Salunkhe’s journey has been one of grit and resilience. Seeded fifth, she began her campaign with a dramatic five-game win over Australia’s Sophie Fadaely. The opening game went her way 11-8, but she found herself trailing after losing the next two (7-11, 10-12). Digging deep, Akanksha roared back to level the match with an 11-4 win in the fourth before edging the decider 13-11 in a tense finish.
That victory set up a quarter-final clash with Haydon of Australia 🇦🇺, where Akanksha was in far more ruthless form. She closed out the contest in straight games, never allowing Haydon to find rhythm. The 3-0 win secured her place in the last four, where she will face either Noa or second seed Habiba Hani. Given her fighting qualities and ability to adapt mid-match, Akanksha will be a dangerous opponent in the semi-finals regardless of which player she faces.
A Breakthrough Within Reach
For Indian squash, Copper-level titles on the PSA Tour have so far proven elusive. Both Anahat and Akanksha now stand on the brink of changing that. A Copper title may not carry the same points as the higher-tier events, but in the sport’s professional structure, it serves as a vital platform for climbing the rankings, gaining confidence, and building momentum for bigger stages.
The significance of this moment is amplified by the fact that India has two representatives in the semi-finals. This ensures not just increased visibility for Indian women’s squash internationally, but also underlines the depth of talent coming through the ranks.
The Indian contingent in Bega began the week with mixed fortunes:
- Anahat Singh:
- R16: bt. Sarah Cardwell (AUS) 3-0
- QF: bt. Hayley Ward (RSA) 3-0
- Akanksha Salunkhe:
- R16: bt. Sophie Fadaely (AUS) 3-2 (11-8, 7-11, 10-12, 11-4, 13-11)
- QF: bt. Haydon (AUS) 3-0
- Tanvi Khanna:
- R16: lost to 2nd seed Habiba Hani 2-3 in a close five-setter
Tanvi’s early exit was a disappointment, especially as she pushed the second seed to the limit. However, the presence of Anahat and Akanksha in the last four ensures India remains very much in contention for the trophy.
The semi-final line-up at the NSW Squash Bega Open 2025
🇮🇳 Anahat Singh 🆚 Nour Khafagy 🇪🇬
🇮🇳 Akanksha Salunkhe 🆚 Habiba Hani 🇪🇬
For Anahat, the key will be maintaining her attacking intent while avoiding unforced errors against Khafagy’s steadiness. For Akanksha, much will depend on how she starts a strong opening game could tilt the balance against either potential opponent.
Indian squash has a proud history at the Asian level, with stars like Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal Karthik breaking barriers on the PSA Tour. However, for the next generation, consistent success at Copper and Challenger-level events is the foundation for future breakthroughs at the Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers.
Anahat, still in her teens, is already seen as one of the brightest prospects in Indian squash, with a mature game that belies her age. Her tactical awareness and ability to handle pressure have been key in her rapid rise. Akanksha, meanwhile, represents the reward of persistence. Her PSA journey has been about incremental improvements each season showing better results, greater consistency, and an ability to beat higher-ranked players. If either of them secures the title in Bega, it could serve as both a personal milestone and a symbolic moment for the Indian women’s circuit. It would send a clear message that Indian players can not only compete abroad but also dominate.
Regardless of the semi-final results, this tournament has already been a success story for India. Having two players reach the semis of an overseas PSA event reflects both the individual hard work of the athletes and the broader development of Indian squash infrastructure, including better access to international competition and training. Still, the dream is clear seeing an Indian name etched as the champion of a PSA Copper event for the first time. And with Anahat and Akanksha just one match away from the final, the stage is set for a potentially historic weekend in Bega.
