Indian squash is savoring a golden moment at the CCI Brabourne Stadium. On Saturday, reigning champion Anahat Singh and Asian Games gold medalist Abhay Singh both secured their spots in the finals of the Indian Open 2026 for the second consecutive year.
While the 17-year-old Anahat faces a formidable Egyptian challenge to defend her crown, the men’s title is guaranteed to stay at home, as Abhay Singh prepares for an all-Indian showdown against fourth-seed Veer Chotrani.
Top seed Anahat Singh showcased exactly why squash legends like Saurav Ghosal describe her game as "near-complete." Facing compatriot Tanvi Khanna in the semifinals, Anahat survived a mid-match wobble to win 3-1 (11-6, 9-11, 11-8, 11-2).
After dropping the second game and trailing early in the third, Anahat regained her rhythm with improved shot selection and court coverage, eventually finishing the match with a dominant 11-2 scoreline in just 34 minutes.
We genuinely don’t believe that this is the ceiling. I think there’s a lot more to go.
Saurav Ghosal, former India No. 1
The men’s draw produced high-intensity drama as second-seed Abhay Singh overcame a stiff challenge from Malaysia’s unseeded Ameeshenraj Chandaran. Abhay displayed nerves of steel in the fourth game, rallying from a 2-6 deficit to level at 7-7 before closing out the match 11-8.
Abhay, who was the runner-up last year, now has the chance to go one step further. Standing in his way is fellow Indian Veer Chotrani, who booked his place in the summit clash with a clinical 3-1 victory over Malaysia’s Sanjay Jeeva.
Women's final: Anahat Singh vs. Hana Moataz. The second-seeded Egyptian reached the final after outclassing her compatriot Nadien Elhammamy. Moataz is known for her high intensity and will be Anahat's toughest test of the tournament.
Men's final: Abhay Singh vs. Veer Chotrani. With an all-Indian final, the Mumbai crowd is guaranteed a local champion. Abhay will be looking for redemption after losing the crown to Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey last year.
Second straight final: Both Anahat and Abhay reached the finals of the Indian Open in 2025 as well.
Olympic dreams: The 2026 Indian Open serves as a vital platform for players looking toward LA 2028, where squash will make its Olympic debut.
Anahat's energy: The defending champion has progressed through the rounds with relative ease, conserving energy that could prove vital against Moataz's aggressive style.
