Anahat Singh wins Costa North Coast Open 2024: Know India’s 16-year-old squash sensation

At just 16 years, Anahat Singh has been making headlines in the Indian squad. Recently, she clinched the Costa North Coast Open 2024 in Australia. With a decisive 3-0 victory over Japan’s Akari Midorikawa, Anahat proved that she is ready for big tournaments. She won all her matches in the tournament without losing a single one.

This win marks her third PSA Challenger title in under three months and adds to her glorious achievements, including the Dynam Cup SQ-Cube Open and the Reliance PSA Challenge earlier this year. Let’s take a look at Anahat’s struggles to reach this point.

Early Life and Inspirations

Anahat Singh was born on March 13, 2008, in Delhi, into a family with a rich sporting background. Her father, Gursharan Singh, is a lawyer, and her mother, Tani Vadehra Singh, is an interior designer. The family’s involvement in sports, especially hockey, laid the foundation for Anahat’s athletic journey. Interestingly, her initial passion was badminton, inspired by the two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu. However, at the age of eight, Anahat shifted her focus to another racquet sport, squash.

Overcoming Challenges

Transitioning to a new sport is never easy, but Anahat’s journey has been defined by adaptability. Coached by her sister Amira and seasoned players, Anahat quickly climbed through the ranks of junior squash, becoming the number one player in both the under-11 and under-13 categories in India, Asia, and Europe. Her early achievements included becoming the youngest Indian to win gold at the British Open in 2019.

Achievements in the sport

Anahat’s list of trophies is much more extensive than her age. In 2023, she made headlines at the Asian Games, winning two bronze medals—one in the women’s team event and another in mixed doubles. She also became the youngest member of the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, where she secured her first win in a major senior competition. Recently, her victories have continued with titles at the British Junior Open and the Asian Junior Squash Championships.

Anahat’s talent has not gone unnoticed; she has been compared to legendary squash players and is seen as the future of the sport in India. Her coaching team praises her elegant style and fierce competitiveness, which shine through in her matches.

Future prospects

With her trajectory showing no signs of slowing down, Anahat Singh is poised for a bright future in squash. Her recent performances highlight her readiness to take on greater challenges on the international stage. As she defends her national title and competes in more PSA events, expectations for her success will continue to grow.

Anahat represents the new generation of Indian athletes, inspiring young squash players across the nation. The journey ahead looks promising for Anahat Singh as she aims for new heights in her squash career.