Arihant K.S. and Anika Dubey Clinch U-19 Titles at Junior National Squash Championships in Chennai
Chennai, October 31 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Tamil Nadu’s Arihant K.S. and Maharashtra’s Anika Dubey emerged as the Under-19 boys’ and girls’ champions respectively at the Sub-Junior & Junior National Squash Championships, which concluded on Friday at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) in Chennai.
The week-long event — one of the biggest fixtures in India’s squash calendar — witnessed 623 young players competing across 10 age categories, offering a vibrant showcase of India’s emerging squash talent.
Arihant Triumphs in Boys’ U-19 Final
Top seed Arihant K.S., who had been in superb form throughout the tournament, capped off his dominant run by defeating second seed Yusha Nafees of Uttar Pradesh in a hard-fought final that reflected the growing quality of Indian junior squash.
Arihant won 11-8, 12-10, 10-12, 11-5, demonstrating his superior control and composure in pressure moments — particularly in the second and fourth games.
Both Arihant and Yusha were part of the Indian squad that secured bronze at the World Junior Team Championships in Egypt earlier this year, and their mutual familiarity made for an engaging contest filled with long rallies and precise shot-making.
Arihant’s victory not only secured him the national crown but also reaffirmed his status as one of India’s most promising young players in the global squash circuit.
“It was a tough match against Yusha, but I’m happy with how I held my focus during key points. Winning this title at home feels special,” said Arihant after the match.
Anika Dubey’s Remarkable Run to the Girls’ U-19 Title
In the girls’ U-19 final, Maharashtra’s Anika Dubey delivered a performance of precision and poise to defeat her state-mate Akanksha Gupta in straight games — 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 — and capture her first U-19 national title.
What made Anika’s win even more impressive was her journey — she entered the draw as a qualifier after skipping the U-17 category to test herself at the senior junior level.
A two-time U-15 national champion, Anika upset several higher-ranked players en route to the final, combining aggressive attacking play with steady defense. Her dominance in the final reflected her growing maturity as a player capable of competing beyond her age group.
“I came in with no expectations and just wanted to play my natural game. This win motivates me to keep improving and aim for international success,” Anika said post-match.
Other Champions Shine Across Age Groups
The championships, organized by the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) and hosted by the Tamil Nadu Squash Rackets Association (TNSRA), also witnessed several standout performances in younger age categories.
Girls’ Category Winners
- U-17: Aradhya Porwal (Delhi) defeated Sehar Nayar (Chandigarh) 2-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-6.
- U-15: Aadya Budhia (Jharkhand) defended her title, beating Goushika M (Tamil Nadu) 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 12-10 in a thrilling four-game contest.
- U-13: Divyanshi Jain (Rajasthan) clinched the crown after a consistent run throughout the event.
- U-11: Alia Kankaria (West Bengal) triumphed with dominant displays across the draw.
Boys’ Category Winners
- U-17: Aryaveer Dewan (Delhi) showcased grit and control to seal the title.
- U-15: Harshal Rana (Haryana) impressed with his all-round play to emerge champion.
- U-13: Abhyuday Arora (Delhi) continued his strong form to take the top spot.
- U-11: Aryan S.K. (Karnataka) lifted the title with a composed and clinical performance.
Championship Highlights and Closing Ceremony
The finals drew enthusiastic crowds at the Indian Squash Academy, where family members, coaches, and squash enthusiasts gathered to witness the country’s next generation of players.
Rahul Ramachandran, Vice President of TNSRA, presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up, commending their talent and sportsmanship.
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary-General of SRFI, lauded the combined efforts of SAI, MYAS, SDAT, TNSRA, ISA, Dunlop, and the Centre of Sports Science for their support in successfully conducting the event.
“The level of play and the discipline shown by these young athletes are signs of India’s bright future in squash. Many of these players will represent the country internationally in the coming years,” Poncha said.
India’s Junior Squash: A Growing Powerhouse
India’s junior squash structure continues to flourish under the SRFI’s developmental programs, which have produced world-class players like Saurav Ghosal, Joshna Chinappa, and Dipika Pallikal Karthik.
With consistent investment in training infrastructure and exposure through global events, the nation’s grassroots talent pool is steadily deepening.
The 2025 edition of the Sub-Junior & Junior Nationals once again proved to be a key platform for identifying emerging talent and preparing young players for international success.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The Sub-Junior & Junior National Squash Championships 2025 not only celebrated India’s rising squash stars but also showcased the strength of the country’s youth development system.
For Arihant K.S., the victory marks another milestone in an already promising career, while Anika Dubey’s fairy-tale win as a qualifier signals the arrival of a new star in Indian squash.
With increasing competition, professional training, and international exposure, India’s young athletes are shaping the nation’s future on the world squash stage — one rally at a time.