Newly-crowned world junior squash champion Anahat Singh has revealed she has put her plans to study at Harvard University on hold this year, choosing instead to take a gap year to focus on squash and build towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 18-year-old said her original plan was to follow her elder sister Amira’s path and pursue higher education at Harvard, but her recent world junior title—won in her fifth and final attempt—has sharpened her focus on the next phase of her sporting career. With the Asian Games in Japan coming up in September-October, Anahat said this year is crucial as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at LA 2028.
Speaking to PTI, Anahat explained that she has spent years balancing top-level squash with school, and after graduating only a couple of months ago, she has decided to commit fully to the sport for the year ahead.
Gap year decision: full focus on squash and LA 2028 build-up
Anahat said the decision to pause her college plans was driven by the timing of major competitions and the importance of the immediate training block leading into them.
“I was supposed to go to college this year, but I decided to take a gap year because of the Asian Games coming up. And now I understand that this year is really important for me regarding squash and, the build up to the LA 2028 (Games),” she told PTI, referencing the sport’s Olympic debut.
She added that stepping away from the school-sport juggle is a significant shift after more than a decade of managing both. “So, yeah, I mean, just focusing on this year, outside of school, because I’ve been doing that for the last 12 years (smiles). I’m just focusing on squash for a year and just making sure that I’m at my peak going in to LA 28,” she said.
The world junior title, achieved in Canada, is a landmark moment for Anahat and arrives at a time when she is preparing for what she described as a major opportunity. She said the win has lifted her confidence heading into the Asian Games, where she expects to face many of the same opponents she has already encountered on tour.
“It (the win at world juniors) definitely adds a lot to my confidence to get into this event. I mean, if I didn’t win, it wouldn’t really make much of a difference, but it definitely puts me on a high now,” Anahat said. She is supported by JSW Sports.
Looking ahead to the Asian Games, Anahat said familiarity with the field helps her preparation. “I’ve played almost every single player that will be there in the Asian Games, and I know what to expect. So, just going back home and focusing on that. If I have a shot at getting a chance to be a part of the Olympics in almost two months, I think that will be a dream come true,” she said.
In the same interview, Anahat also spoke about her early sporting journey, noting that she began in badminton before settling on squash. She continues to idolise PV Sindhu, who congratulated her on social media following her win in Ontario. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a message of congratulations, which Anahat described as a special moment.
“Firstly seeing the Prime Minister’s post was, I mean, there’s no words to it really. It’s amazing getting to see that and of course PV Sindhu as well. I’ve been following her since I’ve been almost four or five years old and she’s been an inspiration to me ever since I got into the world of sports,” she said.
Anahat also addressed the challenge of facing Egyptian players, a dominant force in squash for decades. She said she does not feel additional pressure when playing them on the professional circuit, and recalled her observations about the depth of their system. “The Egyptian infrastructure is basically what makes them the best. Like I went for the World Juniors last year, which happened in Egypt, and they were playing until 10, 11 pm, which was crazy,” she said.
Support team: Gaultier and Ghosal in her corner
Anahat credited her support staff, which includes world champion Gregory Gaultier of France and Indian great Saurav Ghosal, for helping her handle the demands of elite competition. She said their experience across the highs and lows of top-level sport has been valuable both tactically and mentally.
“…having Greg and Saurav by my side, I don’t think I could have really asked for anything more. They’ve been in the top stages, they felt that sort of pressure, they know what it’s like to climb up to the top,” she said.
“It’s not just helpful in the game aspect, but also mentally and the strategy side of it, just being able to understand what I need to do in those big moments,” Anahat added.
With her academic plans paused and a major multi-sport event ahead, Anahat’s message is clear: the next year is about maximising her development and giving herself the best chance to chase an Olympic medal when squash makes its debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
