Anahat Singh, the talented squash player from India, made headlines when she became the youngest athlete to represent India at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 14-year-old teen sensation took home the bronze medal by beating Radhika Rathore at the current National Games. She also played a crucial role in helping Delhi win gold in the team event.
In an exclusive interview with India TV, Anahat gave insight into his experience with Squash. Here are some excerpts from the interview.
- Let’s talk about your Squash journey. You are only 14 years old, at what age did you feel that you wanted to play squash professionally?
I started playing squash when I was eight years old. I used to play badminton before squash. I have always liked sports and I have practiced many of them. But I realized that what I enjoy the most is playing Squash and that I am also good at it, that’s when I decided that I wanted to play Squash professionally.
- Being selected for the Commonwealth Games is a big deal and you were the youngest player to make it to the multi-national event, how did you feel?
I was surprised when I got the call for testing and the opportunity to play. When I became part of the team, I was very excited.
- How did you feel after winning medals in your first appearance at the National Games?
It was really exciting to get gold for Delhi in the team event and bronze in the individual. My match with Sunayna in the semifinals of the individual event was very close, I am happy with the way I played and I will definitely train harder and try to do better next time. But overall, I had a great time at the National Games and I’m looking forward to the next one.
- What did you learn from your experience at the National Games?
I am so happy that I was able to participate and represent Delhi. The infrastructure was amazing and Gujarat was a great place. I really enjoyed playing the Games and was able to compete with the best players in the country.
- Take us through your training program. Do you follow any particular diet?
I follow my exercise schedule by going to the gym before school. After school, I practice in court.
I try to follow the diet chart as much as I can. Everyone on the Squash team knows that I like to eat chocolates and I take them with me during matches. I do make sure to control the portion though.
- Who is your favorite squash player?
Ali Farag is my favorite player. He is very agile on the court, he picks up each and every ball and I feel like that is something he would love to do as well.
- Five years later, where do you see yourself?
I want to play public service announcements next year. So I hope I do pretty well on that.
Anahat Achievements:
Anahat came into the spotlight after winning the Prestigious British Junior Open 2019, followed by the Dutch Junior Open Squash in July of the same year. He took silver medals at the 2020 British Junior Open and the Malaysian Junior Open. In June 2022, Singh won the U15 women’s title at the Asian Junior Squash Individual Championship.
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