Teenager Anahat Singh, undefeated in 2024, aims for third consecutive PSA Challenger Tour title

Anahat Singh, 16, will look to maintain her winning momentum on the senior circuit as she targets her third consecutive PSA Challenger Tour title at the ongoing HCL Squash Tour event at the Indian Squash Academy in city.

The two-time Asian Games medalist quickly cruised through her second-round match against Aryaa Dwivedi on Wednesday with a score of 3-0 (11-1, 11-2, 11-1).

While Singh (WR132) and Dwivedi (WR364) earned first-round byes, this match was rather short (finished in less than 15 minutes) and certainly one-sided. For Singh, it was a walk in the park as she headed into the quarter-finals, where she will meet eighth seed Shameena Riaz.

“It was the first game and a quick game. The other girl was also good. I had to put in some effort, but I am happy that I was able to finish an easy match,” Singh said. Sports star shortly after the match.

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Anahat, the second youngest national champion ever, has had an impeccable season on the PSA Challenger Tour so far, winning both tournaments she has entered. These include the JSW Willingdon Little Masters & Senior Tournament which took place in Mumbai and the Hamdard. Squashters Northern Slam held in Delhi.

The transition from junior to senior level can be difficult for any young athlete, regardless of discipline. However, not many people get the chance to compete in the Commonwealth Games at the impressionable age of 14.

“It (the experience in the CWG and Asiad) has definitely improved it. I was able to experience the bigger games. It’s always an athlete’s dream to start playing on the professional circuit,” she said. “But I’m still young and just getting started. Little by little, my goal will be to enter the top 15 or 20 and progress in the rankings.

Right after the match, when Anahat realized that media duties might fall to her, the 16-year-old's face fell momentarily into a frown. It reminds us that the promising athlete is, after all, a teenager.

“I'm friends with a lot of people in the squash circuit, so it's not really that difficult, but I've been doing it for so long, so I'm pretty used to it now,” she said with a laugh .

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Last year, the International Olympic Committee gave the green light for squash to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This gave many players, like Anahat, a chance to realize her dream of competing at the Games. Olympics. However, the young person moves forward with caution and a touch of realism when she sets her goals.

“It’s (the 2028 Olympics) on my mind. Winning a medal at the Olympics is a dream, but there are still many big tournaments in these four years. I take it one tournament at a time and win them the best way possible. In the long term, that’s the main goal.”