Abhay, Anahat Named ASF Players of the Year
India’s rising squash stars Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh have been named among Asia’s best, clinching top honours at the 2025 awards presented by the Asian Squash Federation. While Abhay was awarded Men’s Player of the Year, teenage prodigy Anahat secured the top accolade in the girls’ junior category, underlining India’s growing dominance in the sport.
In addition, the Indian men’s team was recognised as Team of the Year after securing a bronze medal at the World Junior Team Championships in Egypt.
India’s Rising Squash Legacy
India’s squash ecosystem has steadily evolved over the past decade, producing consistent international performers. The last time Indian players swept major ASF honours was in 2022, when Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa won the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
The latest recognition for Abhay and Anahat signals a generational shift, with younger athletes now carrying forward India’s competitive legacy on the global stage.
Performance Breakdown: A Standout 2025 Season
Currently ranked World No. 25, Abhay Singh has built a strong international résumé, including multiple medals at the Asian Games and titles at the Asian Squash Championships. He was also part of India’s historic mixed team that clinched its first-ever World Cup title, marking a major milestone in the country’s squash history.
Anahat Singh, ranked World No. 20, has mirrored that success in the women’s circuit. Her 2025 campaign included a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships in Cairo and a gold medal as part of India’s mixed team World Cup victory.
Both players also carried their form into 2026, winning titles at the Indian Open. Abhay dominated compatriot Veer Chotrani in a straight-games victory, showcasing tactical control and attacking precision. Meanwhile, Anahat delivered a composed performance to defeat Egypt’s Hana Moataz, blending speed and deception to secure the title.
Global Recognition and Momentum
The ASF awards are considered a key benchmark in Asian squash, often reflecting emerging global contenders. For India, these honours reinforce its growing presence in a sport traditionally dominated by Egypt and European nations.
The recognition also aligns with increased institutional support and grassroots development programs, which have begun yielding consistent results at both junior and senior levels.
What This Means for Indian Squash
The success of Abhay and Anahat highlights a broader structural shift in Indian squash—from sporadic excellence to sustained competitiveness. With both players already ranked within the top 25 globally, expectations are rising for deeper runs in major international tournaments, including PSA events and world championships.
Their achievements also carry commercial implications. As Indian athletes gain global visibility, sponsorship opportunities and media attention around squash are expected to expand, potentially elevating the sport’s profile domestically.
The ASF honours for Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh mark a significant moment for Indian squash, reflecting both individual brilliance and systemic progress. As the next generation steps into the spotlight, India’s ambitions in the sport appear increasingly global.
Our Final Thoughts
Abhay and Anahat’s achievements are more than individual milestones—they represent the maturation of India’s squash ecosystem. With consistent performances, international exposure, and institutional backing, Indian players are now competing at the highest levels with confidence. If this momentum continues, India could soon emerge as a serious contender in global squash, challenging traditional powerhouses. The focus now shifts to sustaining this growth and converting promise into podium finishes at the biggest stages.