New Delhi: At just 18, squash prodigy Anahat Singh enters the 2026 Asian Games as one of India’s strongest medal hopes, carrying with her the ambition of winning gold and securing a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Anahat, who became the youngest Indian to represent the country at a multi-sport event when she featured in the 2022 Commonwealth Games at the age of 14, has made a rapid rise in international squash. Currently ranked 20th in the world, she has already defeated several top-ranked opponents and will look to continue her impressive run in Aichi-Nagoya.

The Indian is ranked third among Asian players, behind Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam and Japan’s Satomi Watanabe, both of whom pose major challenges at the Games. Anahat has faced defeats against both this season, but her performances have shown that she can compete with the best.

Her recent victories at the JSW Indian Open and the Squash on Fire Open, where she defeated World No. 9 Gina Kennedy in the final, have strengthened her confidence ahead of the continental event.

However, Anahat believes improving her physical strength will be crucial as she transitions into senior-level competition. She has acknowledged that greater consistency and endurance will help her challenge elite players over longer tournaments.

With the squash competition beginning at the Nagoya Kinjo-Futo Arena from September 23, Anahat has received a favourable draw, entering directly from the Round of 16. A strong performance could put her closer to an Asian Games gold medal and the Olympic qualification goal she has been pursuing.

For Indian squash, Anahat’s journey represents the emergence of a new generation ready to compete on the global stage.