NEW DELHI: India has produced squash legends such as Saurav Ghosal, Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal, but Anahat Singh represents a new generation — dynamic, expressive and fearless.Former world champion Gregory Gaultier is mighty impressed with Anahat and her “on-court composure”. The Frenchman, the oldest men’s World No.1 in PSA history, has been coaching the Delhi teenager since early 2024, guiding her transition into the professional circuit.
Gaultier believes Anahat’s unpredictability sets her apart.“She has a unique and exciting game. She’s very gifted and tricky, with a lot of variation. She’s not purely a power player. Instead, she uses the corners of the court and has multiple shots in her arsenal, which makes her difficult to read,” Gaultier told TOI. “Now, we are adding more structure to her game. Considering she’s not even 18 and already top 20 in the world, very few players achieve that. If she continues to work hard and stays disciplined, she can become the next big player in squash and that would be fantastic for India.”Anahat will next compete at the second edition of the JSW Indian Open from March 18-22 at the CCI Brabourne Stadium. Gaultier, famously nicknamed ‘The General’ for his tactical mastery and longevity, has planned specialised training sessions for Anahat to ensure she peaks during tournament week.“It’s important for her to perform well in India. Winning at home would be meaningful — not just for ranking points but also for the fans,” he said. “She is the top seed, and the tournament offers more points this year. She must compete in events where she has a genuine chance to win and gain valuable points.”Gaultier, who retired in 2021, added that Anahat’s fearlessness against top players has already produced major upsets. “She has matured a lot. The added structure gives her confidence against tough opponents. She’s on the right track. If things go well over the next two years, she should qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”
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