Anahat Singh’s Historic Silicon Valley Open Run and the Rise of Indian Squash
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Quick Answer: At the 2026 Silicon Valley Open, 19-year-old Anahat Singh stunned eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini to reach her maiden PSA Gold-level semifinal, the first Indian woman to reach that stage at a PSA Gold event since 2019. Her run marks a genuine breakthrough moment for Indian squash on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
- 🏆 Anahat Singh defeated world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini on October 22, 2026, at the Silicon Valley Open, one of the biggest upsets in recent squash history [1][2]
- 📍 She reached her first-ever PSA Gold semifinal, a milestone described widely as “historic” for Indian squash [3][4]
- 🇮🇳 She is India’s highest-ranked active women’s squash player and the country’s brightest young prospect in the sport
- 🎯 Her semifinal run ended in a loss to Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam [5][6]
- 📈 Indian squash has been steadily growing, backed by Asian Games medals and domestic tournament success
- 🌍 The PSA World Tour remains dominated by Egyptian players, making Anahat’s win over El Sherbini especially significant
- 🎾 Squash is gaining ground in India alongside other racket sports, driven by young talent and increased coaching infrastructure
- ⚡ Anahat’s success is inspiring a new generation of Indian players to take up competitive squash
Who Is Anahat Singh?
Anahat Singh is India’s leading young women’s squash player, born in 2006 and already competing at the sport’s highest professional level by her late teens. She broke into national consciousness through junior titles and quickly translated that into PSA circuit results.
By 2026, she holds a ranking that places her among the top competitive players on the Women’s PSA World Tour. She trains with a serious focus on technical precision and court movement, and she has represented India at major international events. Sports media across India consistently frames her as the face of the next generation of Indian squash.
What Happened at the Silicon Valley Open Squash 2026?
Anahat Singh’s Historic Silicon Valley Open Run and the Rise of Indian Squash began with a straightforward first-round win before escalating into something extraordinary. Her opening match set the tone for a confident campaign [7].
The tournament-defining moment came on October 22, 2026, when Anahat defeated Nour El Sherbini, an eight-time world champion and the world’s top-ranked women’s squash player, in a result that sent shockwaves through the squash community [1][8]. It was not a lucky win: she outplayed one of the most decorated players in squash history across the full match.
She then advanced to the semifinal, where she faced Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam and ultimately lost, ending her campaign at the last-four stage [5][9].
Match-by-match summary:
| Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First Round | (Opponent) | Won [7] |
| Quarterfinal | Nour El Sherbini (EGY, World No. 1) | Won [1][2] |
| Semifinal | Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) | Lost [5][6] |
How Did Anahat Singh Do at the Silicon Valley Open, and Why Does It Matter?
Anahat’s result, a maiden PSA Gold semifinal, is the headline achievement. To reach it, she beat the best player in women’s squash. That context is what separates this run from a routine deep tournament run.
The “first since 2019” framing that appeared across Indian sports media [3][10] underlines how rare it is for an Indian woman to perform at this level on a PSA Gold stage. PSA Gold events sit just below the top-tier PSA Platinum events in prize money and ranking points, meaning the competition is elite.
“Anahat Singh scripts history” and “an Indian in squash’s big league” were phrases that appeared across multiple Indian sports outlets following her semifinal qualification. [4][10]
Her loss to Sivasangari was competitive, not a blowout, she went down fighting against a seasoned professional [9]. That matters for assessing her ceiling.
Why Is Anahat Singh Important for Indian Squash?
She represents the clearest proof yet that Indian women can compete at the top of the PSA circuit. Indian squash has produced strong players before, but consistent Gold-level performance has been rare for women.
Her significance breaks down into a few layers:
- Ranking proof: Her win over El Sherbini is the kind of result that shifts how the squash world views Indian talent
- Age factor: At 19, she has years of prime competitive squash ahead of her
- Role model effect: Younger Indian girls now have a direct, visible example of what is possible
- Media attention: Her Silicon Valley run generated more mainstream Indian sports coverage for squash than the sport typically receives
For anyone tracking racket sports training across disciplines, her technical development mirrors patterns seen in other fast-growing racket sports communities. Building a practice routine that balances skill development and fun is exactly the kind of foundation that produces players like Anahat.
How Has Indian Squash Grown in Recent Years?
Indian squash has grown steadily, powered by Asian Games medals, a functioning domestic circuit, and a pipeline of junior talent. The sport is no longer a niche pursuit for a small elite; it has spread to more academies and clubs across major Indian cities.
Key growth markers:
- Asian Games medals have raised squash’s profile within Indian Olympic sports politics
- Indian Open tournaments have given domestic players consistent international competition at home
- Squash academies in cities like Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai have expanded junior programs
- Saurav Ghosal blazed a trail on the men’s side that helped establish squash as a credible career path for Indian athletes
The regional growth of racket sports globally has parallels in India’s squash story, community infrastructure and youth participation are the engines behind lasting sport growth.
How Does Anahat Singh Rank Compared to Other Players?
Anahat is India’s highest-ranked women’s squash player on the PSA World Tour. On the global stage, the top of the women’s game is still dominated by Egyptian players, with El Sherbini and others consistently occupying the top spots.
Her win over El Sherbini does not mean she has surpassed the world No. 1 in consistent ranking terms, a single match upset and a sustained ranking are different things. But it demonstrates she belongs in that conversation on any given day.
Choose this framing:
- If you want to assess her current standing: she is a top-50 (approximate) PSA-ranked player who can beat the best on her day
- If you want to assess her trajectory: she is rising, and her age means the ranking will follow the results over time
What Other Young Indian Squash Players Are Rising?
Anahat is the most prominent, but she is not alone. Indian squash has been producing junior talent at both the men’s and women’s levels with more consistency than in previous generations.
On the women’s side, several junior players have shown strong results on the JSW and domestic circuits. On the men’s side, players following Saurav Ghosal’s path continue to push up PSA rankings. The combination of better coaching, more structured academies, and increased government sports funding through programs like Khelo India has created a broader base.
The broader success stories that emerge when young people are introduced to racket sports early are directly relevant here, early structured play produces long-term competitive athletes.
Where Can You Watch Anahat Singh Play?
PSA World Tour matches are streamed live and on-demand through SquashTV, the official streaming platform of the PSA. Select matches also appear on SPORTS18 and JioCinema in India, depending on the tournament tier and broadcast agreements.
For major events like the Silicon Valley Open, highlights and full matches are often available on the PSA’s official YouTube channel after the event. Following Anahat on her official social media accounts also provides real-time tournament updates.
What Tournaments Does Anahat Singh Compete In?
Anahat competes across the PSA Women’s World Tour calendar, which includes events at Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Copper levels. Her focus is on the higher-tier events where ranking points are greatest.
Notable tournament appearances include:
- PSA Gold events, including Silicon Valley Open [3]
- Indian Open, where domestic success has strengthened India’s squash profile
- Asian Games, where India has been an active medal contender
- Junior World Championships, where her junior career built the foundation for professional success
Is Squash Popular in India, and How?
Squash is a niche but growing sport in India, concentrated mainly in urban centers with access to indoor courts. It is more popular than its media coverage suggests, with a dedicated club culture in cities.
The sport benefits from:
- A strong Tamil Nadu squash tradition (Chennai has historically been a hub)
- Corporate-backed squash courts in major metros
- School programs that feed junior pipelines
- International success stories (like Anahat’s) that drive new registrations
The challenge is court access. Unlike cricket or even badminton, squash requires specialized indoor infrastructure that is not uniformly available across India.
What Challenges Does Indian Squash Face?
Despite the momentum, Indian squash faces real structural barriers that Anahat’s success alone cannot solve.
Main challenges:
- Court scarcity: Squash courts are expensive to build and maintain, limiting grassroots spread
- Funding gaps: Individual players often self-fund international travel and coaching, especially early in their careers
- Media coverage: Squash gets minimal broadcast time compared to cricket, reducing sponsorship appeal
- Awareness: Many recreational players in India do not know squash is an option for them
Addressing these mirrors challenges in other racket sports communities. The community-building strategies that work in sports like pickleball, local clubs, beginner-friendly entry points, visible success stories, apply directly to squash’s growth problem.
How Much Prize Money Does Squash Offer?
PSA Gold events like the Silicon Valley Open offer significant prize money, though squash still trails tennis substantially. PSA Gold events typically carry total prize funds in the range of $170,000,$200,000 (USD), split across the draw.
Reaching a semifinal at a PSA Gold event earns a meaningful ranking points boost and a reasonable prize check, not life-changing money, but enough to sustain a professional career when combined with sponsorships and national sports funding.
Prize money at top PSA Platinum events (like the World Championship) is considerably higher. The gap between Gold and Platinum is where most mid-ranked top players are working to move.
How to Get Into Squash as a Beginner
Squash is one of the most rewarding racket sports to learn, and getting started is simpler than many people expect. Most recreational players can be playing rallies within two or three sessions.
Basic steps to start:
- Find a local club or sports center with squash courts, many fitness clubs have them
- Book an introductory lesson with a club coach to learn safe swing mechanics
- Get basic gear, a squash racket (starter models are affordable), non-marking court shoes, and protective eyewear
- Learn the basics of court positioning before worrying about power or spin
- Play regularly with players at a similar level to build confidence
On the gear side, proper footwear matters enormously in squash, just as it does across all racket sports. See our guide on selecting the right footwear for court sports for principles that apply across disciplines.
For developing consistent skills, the role of beginner classes and clinics in racket sports skill development is hard to overstate, structured early coaching prevents bad habits.
What Equipment Do You Need to Start Playing Squash?
Starting squash requires minimal gear, which makes it accessible for beginners. Here is what you actually need:
| Item | What to Look For | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Squash racket | Lightweight, head-heavy for beginners | $30,$80 USD |
| Court shoes | Non-marking, lateral support, grippy sole | $50,$120 USD |
| Protective eyewear | Mandatory at many clubs, essential for safety | $20,$50 USD |
| Squash ball | Yellow dot (slower) for beginners | $5,$10 USD |
| Grip tape | Replacement grips for comfort | $5,$15 USD |
Avoid: buying a tennis racket and using it on a squash court, the swing mechanics are different, and the racket geometry matters. For a broader look at choosing the right gear as a beginner in racket sports, the same principles of prioritizing comfort and appropriate weight apply.
Conclusion
Anahat Singh’s Historic Silicon Valley Open Run and the Rise of Indian Squash is a story about one teenager’s extraordinary week, and what it signals for an entire sporting ecosystem. Beating the world’s best player at a PSA Gold event is not a fluke. It is the result of years of structured work, smart coaching, and the kind of competitive hunger that wins matches against all expectations [2][8].
For Indian squash, this is a moment to build on. The infrastructure challenges are real, but they are solvable. More courts, better funding channels, and the motivational pull of watching someone like Anahat compete at the highest level can do more for grassroots recruitment than any campaign.
Actionable next steps for racket sports fans:
- Follow Anahat’s PSA World Tour results on SquashTV and social media
- If squash interests you, find a local club and book one introductory lesson, the sport is easier to start than it looks
- Support Indian squash by engaging with coverage and sharing stories like this one
- If you coach or run a racket sports community, use Anahat’s story as a recruitment tool for young players
The racket sports community grows when stories like this get told widely. Share this one. 🎾
FAQ
Q: Who did Anahat Singh beat at the Silicon Valley Open 2026? A: Anahat Singh defeated Nour El Sherbini, the eight-time world champion and world No. 1 ranked player, in the quarterfinals on October 22, 2026. [1][2]
Q: What round did Anahat reach at the Silicon Valley Open? A: She reached the semifinal, her first-ever PSA Gold-level semifinal. She lost to Sivasangari Subramaniam of Malaysia. [3][5]
Q: How old is Anahat Singh? A: Anahat Singh was born in 2006, making her 19 years old during her Silicon Valley Open run in 2026.
Q: What is PSA Gold in squash? A: PSA Gold is the second-highest tier of events on the PSA World Tour, below Platinum. These events carry significant prize money and ranking points, attracting the world’s top players.
Q: Is Anahat Singh the world No. 1 in squash? A: No. She is India’s top-ranked women’s player but not world No. 1. Her win over El Sherbini was an upset of the reigning No. 1, not a reflection of her current ranking.
Q: What nationality is Nour El Sherbini? A: Nour El Sherbini is Egyptian. She is one of the most decorated players in women’s squash history.
Q: Where is the Silicon Valley Open squash tournament held? A: The Silicon Valley Open is held in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA.
Q: How can I follow Anahat Singh’s matches? A: Her matches are available on SquashTV (PSA’s streaming platform), and highlights appear on the PSA YouTube channel. In India, select matches air on JioCinema and SPORTS18.
Q: What equipment do I need to start playing squash? A: You need a squash racket, non-marking court shoes, protective eyewear, and a squash ball. Total starter cost is roughly $100,$175 USD.
Q: Is squash popular in India? A: Squash is a growing niche sport in India, popular in urban clubs but limited by court availability. Tamil Nadu and major metros have the strongest club cultures.
References
- Anahat Singh Beat Nour El Sherbini Silicon Valley Open 2026 Squash. olympics.com.
- Anahat Singh Beats Nour El Sherbini Silicon Valley Open Squash. indianexpress.com.
- Anahat Enters Maiden PSA Gold Level Semis At Silicon Valley Squash. ianslive.in.
- Anahat Singh Reaches Her Maiden PSA Gold Semifinal In The Silicon Valley Open. etvbharat.com.
- Anahat Singh Exits Silicon Valley Open After SF Loss To Sivasangari. ianslive.in.
- Anahat Singh Bows Out of Silicon Valley Open After Loss in Semi Final Match. sports.ndtv.com.
- Anahat Singh Wins Silicon Valley Open Opener. rediff.com.
- Anahat Stuns Eight-Time World Champion El Sherbini At Silicon Valley Open. rediff.com.
- Anahat Singh Goes Down Fighting To Sivasangari Subramaniam In Silicon Valley Open Semi-Finals. rediff.com.
- Anahat Singh Storms Into Silicon Valley Open Squash Semifinals Makes History. lokmattimes.com.
