'At That Level Moving Up Even One Spot Is...'! Anahat Singh Wary Of Uphill Climb Into Top-10!

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 19:42 IST

The 17-year-old Indian, who become the youngest Asian to breach the top-20, acknowledged that she'd have her task cut out in her attempt to break into the top 10.

Indian squash prodigy, Anahat Singh acknowledged that the task of breaking into the top 10, after having become the youngest Asian player to breach the top-20, would prove to be an uphill climb. Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa reached as high as 10th in the PSA rankings but struggled to progress further. With youth and exceptional talent on her side, 20th-ranked Anahat has the potential to achieve what no Indian has done before.

“I know it’s going to be quite tough; breaking into the top 20 wouldn’t be as hard as getting into the top 10 because, at that high level, even moving up one spot is quite challenging," Anahat said on the sidelines of the Indian Open.

“I know it’s going to be hard, and I know it will take quite some time. I’m really looking forward to training hard, improving my game, and competing with the top players."

The weight of expectations bears heavily on sports prodigies globally, but for India’s top-ranked female squash player, it’s about staying calm and meeting her own expectations.

“I don’t think too much about the expectations. I try to focus on my own expectations and what I can achieve in tournaments against top players.

“It’s more about my expectations for myself than others. I don’t get too nervous before tournaments; I focus on taking it one step at a time and ensure I’m playing my best squash," she added.

As she enjoys her steady rise in squash, Anahat acknowledges the need to revise her plans and strategies with her coaches if necessary.

“If I ever do, it’s just about talking to my coaches and gaining confidence from them when they explain the game plan, as they know what I’m familiar with," she said.

“Just talking to them and visualising myself helps if I’m a bit nervous in matches."

The youngest ever to win an Asian Games medal at the age of 15, Anahat believes in keeping it simple.

“Sometimes, playing too many tournaments back-to-back can make you tired, and your shots don’t go as planned. It’s about ensuring you get back to playing your game."

Anahat said changing her playing style is not her approach.

“Making sure you don’t need to change anything drastically but just refresh it. Ensure your fitness is on point, your game is on point, and stick to your basic practice routine as before tournaments," she said.

“That’s something that really helps me, instead of changing too much, because that’s not really my style," Anahat added.

With squash set to make its Olympics debut at the LA28 Games, Anahat is excited about the sport gaining more visibility in India.

“When they see all the players at the Olympics, I think the Indian crowd will really enjoy it, witnessing a new sport and new competitors they might not have seen before," she said.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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