Indian squash reached a new crescendo at the CCI Brabourne Stadium on Sunday. Top seed Anahat Singh successfully defended her women’s crown, while Abhay Singh clinched his maiden men’s title in a dominant display for the home nation.
For Anahat, the victory marks her 16th PSA title and cements her status as a global phenomenon. Meanwhile, Abhay Singh finally tasted success in Mumbai, overcoming the heartbreak of last year’s runner-up finish to claim a straight-games victory in an all-Indian men’s final.
The 18-year-old Anahat Singh, currently ranked World No. 20, overcame a spirited challenge from Egypt's Hana Moataz (World No. 29). Despite a brief lapse in concentration during the third game, Anahat utilized her trademark "corner sorcery" and superior court coverage to close out the match 3-1.
The win caps a historic few months for Anahat, who recently surpassed Malaysian legend Nicol David’s long-standing record as the youngest Asian player to break into the world's top 20.
I tell myself to focus because I lose focus quite easily... if I lose two points in a row, I remind myself to stay motivated and get back into the game. It’s amazing how Hana played; she was not well the past week and still put on such a great performance.Anahat Singh
| Category | Winner | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Final | Anahat Singh (IND) | Hana Moataz (EGY) | 3-1 (11-5, 11-6, 9-11, 11-6) |
| Men’s Final | Abhay Singh (IND) | Veer Chotrani (IND) | 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-4) |
| Venue | — | — | CCI Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai |
After losing to Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey in the 2025 final, Abhay Singh left nothing to chance this year. Facing compatriot Veer Chotrani, the Asian Games medalist displayed a "disciplined attack" that left his opponent struggling to read deceptive angles and powerful smashes.
The 3-0 victory was particularly significant for Abhay, as it marked his first win in two meetings against Chotrani. With this title, Abhay moves back toward his career-high rank of No. 26, signaling his readiness for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.
Olympic ambition: Both champions highlighted the LA 2028 Olympics (where squash will debut) as their long-term career goal.
Asian Games stakes: The upcoming Asian Games in Nagoya will serve as an Olympic qualifier, making this title win a massive confidence booster.
Top 10 potential: Mentor Saurav Ghosal predicts Anahat could break into the world's top 10 by the end of next season if she maintains her current trajectory.
National health: India currently boasts four men in the world's top 50, showcasing the depth of the sport in the country.
The 2026 Indian Open was more than just a tournament; it was a coronation for Anahat Singh and a redemptive arc for Abhay Singh. With the crowds at the Cricket Club of India swamping the young stars for autographs, it is clear that squash has found a fervent new audience in India. The focus now shifts to the international circuit as these players eye global dominance.