In a thrilling squash showdown, the young Indian sensation, Anahat Singh, emerged victorious against her fellow countrywoman Joshna Chinappa in the SRFI Indian Open 2025 final. This victory marked a significant milestone in Anahat's burgeoning career, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of squash.
The highly anticipated match, held at the Daly College in Indore, pitted the 17-year-old prodigy Anahat, ranked 33rd in the world, against the seasoned 39-year-old Joshna, a two-time Asian champion. In a display of sheer determination, Anahat seized the initiative in the first game, only to see Joshna mount a comeback and take the lead. But Anahat's resilience shone through as she clinched the game with a series of unanswered points.
But here's where the match took a dramatic turn. In the second game, Anahat's momentum seemed unstoppable, but Joshna's experience came to the fore, forcing a decider. The third game followed a similar pattern, with Anahat's youthful energy prevailing to put her within one game of the title.
And this is where the veteran's experience shone. With the championship on the line, Joshna stormed ahead in the fourth game, leaving Anahat with a mountain to climb. But the young star's composure under pressure was remarkable, and she fought back to force a fifth and final game.
In a nail-biting conclusion, Anahat's grit and determination prevailed, securing her third title of the season and 12th PSA title overall. This triumph added to her impressive resume, which includes a win over Joshna in the Indian Open semi-finals in March and a historic appearance in the final of a PSA World Tour Copper-level event in Australia.
Anahat's meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2024, she dominated the PSA Challenger circuit, capturing nine titles, and started 2025 with the British Junior Open U-17 title. Her success has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the PSA Challenger Female Player of the Season and the PSA Young Female Player of the Season, shared with World Junior Champion Amina Orfi.
This victory in Indore not only showcases Anahat's immense talent but also highlights the depth of Indian squash. With such a promising future ahead, the question remains: Can Anahat Singh become India's next squash icon, following in the footsteps of legends like Joshna Chinappa? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
