In a landmark development for Indian squash, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mission Olympics Cell (MOC) has inducted three promising athletes—Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, and Velavan Senthilkumar—into the Development Group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This initiative is aimed at preparing these players for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut.
Indian Squash – A New Era
The inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympics represents a historic moment for the sport, both globally and in India. Traditionally, Indian squash has enjoyed success at the Asian and Commonwealth Games, with notable players like Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal, and Joshna Chinappa leading the way. Now, the next generation, represented by Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, and Velavan Senthilkumar, is ready to take up the mantle.
Anahat Singh: A Young Prodigy
At just 16, Anahat Singh has already made her mark on the national and international squash scenes. She is a national champion with over 46 titles, the current Asian U-17 champion, and has won two PSA World Tour titles, along with two Asian Games medals. Her inclusion in the TOPS program is a significant boost for her career and serves as an inspiration for other young athletes.
“I am deeply honoured that SAI and SRFI have included me in TOPS. This support will be crucial in helping me improve my game and compete internationally. I hope this encourages other Indian squash players to pursue the sport professionally, knowing they have the government’s backing,” said Anahat.
Abhay Singh: Scaling New Heights
Abhay Singh, 25, has also been inducted into the TOPS program. He is the current National Games gold medalist and National Championship silver medalist, with nine PSA World Tour titles to his name. Abhay was instrumental in the Indian men’s team’s gold medal win at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023.
Expressing his gratitude, Abhay stated, “I’m very honoured to be inducted into TOPS. I’ve been working hard to climb the PSA rankings and have funded my travel and training expenses. With TOPS support, I hope to continue achieving results on the world tour, especially at the 2026 Asian Games and the Olympics.”
Velavan Senthilkumar: Rising Talent
Velavan Senthilkumar joins Anahat and Abhay in the TOPS Development Group. His inclusion strengthens India’s push for excellence in squash, as he continues to make significant progress on the international stage.
The Impact of TOPS on Indian Squash
Cyrus Poncha, Secretary General of the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SRFI), emphasized the importance of this inclusion. “The inclusion of squash in the TOPS program is a pivotal moment for the sport in India. Beyond immediate benefits like increased participation and enhanced training opportunities, this recognition signifies a broader endorsement of squash as a significant sporting discipline within the country,” Poncha said.
Enhancing International Exposure
Poncha also highlighted the benefits of the TOPS program for international exposure. “Including squash in TOPS opens doors to international exposure and collaboration, fostering exchange programs and partnerships with leading squash nations. This is bound to enhance the overall standard of squash in India,” he added.
Building Momentum for LA 2028
As squash prepares for its Olympic debut, the inclusion of these young players in the TOPS program is expected to elevate the sport’s profile in India. Anahat noted that more junior players are already showing increased interest in international tournaments in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics.
“The number of participants has increased, and the competition is now fierce. Every country is putting in a lot of effort, and I am pleased to see India making strides in that direction. Everyone is working hard for a chance to win the first Olympic medal in squash at LA 2028,” remarked Anahat.
Summer 2028 LA Olympics: A Historic Debut for Squash
The Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics will be a historic event for squash, as it makes its long-awaited debut. This inclusion provides a new platform for squash players worldwide to showcase their skills. For Indian athletes like Anahat, Abhay, and Velavan, the road to LA 2028 is now paved with support from TOPS, ensuring they are well-prepared to compete at the highest level and aim for Olympic success.
Conclusion
The induction of Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh, and Velavan Senthilkumar into the TOPS program marks a significant milestone for Indian squash. With the backing of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, these athletes are poised to enhance their performance on the international stage, targeting historic success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The future of Indian squash looks promising, with these young talents leading the charge towards Olympic glory.
