Anahat Singh targets gold at Asiad 2026 with Olympic qualification on line

Anahat Singh has travelled a remarkable trajectory since her maiden Asian Games appearance three years ago in Hangzhou, when the then-teenager was among India's youngest competitors. Now 18, the squash player has emerged as one of the sport's brightest talents, recently claiming the world junior championship title and breaking into the world's top 20 rankings.

The stakes for Singh at the 2026 Asian Games in Doha are unprecedented. Squash's inclusion in the Olympic Games offers direct qualification to the singles gold medallist, making the continental championship a crucial stepping stone for athletes seeking berths in the sport's long-awaited Olympic debut.

Seeded third in the women's singles draw, Singh is widely expected to podium in Doha. However, a gold medal holds particular significance for India—the nation has never won a singles gold in squash at the Asian Games. A victory would not only end that drought but also guarantee Singh's presence at the Olympic Games.

Singh's ascent over the past three years reflects her dedication and development as a professional player. The transformation from Asian Games debutant to world-ranked competitor underscores her potential to become a medal contender on the continental stage. As she prepares for Doha, expectations—both external and self-imposed—have intensified considerably.