India’s rising squash star Anahat Singh finished runner-up at the NSW Squash Bega Open 2025 after she was forced to retire hurt in the women’s singles final against Egypt’s Habiba Hani on Sunday.
The 17-year-old became the first Indian woman to reach the final of a PSA World Tour Copper-level event, but her dream run ended when she conceded the match while trailing 1-2 and down 4-10 in the fourth game. The final scoreline read 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 10-4 (retd) in favour of the Egyptian.
Strong start, sudden setback
Playing her maiden PSA final, Anahat began brightly, taking the opening game 11-9. However, Hani fought back to win the next two games 11-5 and 11-8. With the score slipping away in the fourth, the Indian teenager, who had been carrying an ankle injury, retired from the contest at the Bega Country Club in New South Wales.
Road to the final
Despite the heartbreaking finish, Anahat impressed throughout the tournament. She defeated Australia’s Sarah Cardwell 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-4) in the round of 16 and overcame South Africa’s Hayley Ward 3-0 (11-4, 11-9, 14-12) in the quarter-finals.
In the semi-final, the second-seeded Indian battled through injury to edge Egypt’s Nour Khafagy 3-2 (10-12, 11-5, 11-5, 10-12, 11-7) in a gruelling encounter.
On the other hand, Habiba Hani reached the final after beating India’s fifth seed Akanksha Salunkhe 3-1 (11-9, 7-11, 12-10, 11-6). Among other Indians, Tanvi Khanna bowed out in the second round, while Remashree Muniady exited in the first.
Copper level significance
Copper-level tournaments were introduced last year as part of the PSA World Tour to provide opportunities for lower-ranked players to gain experience and ranking points. Anahat’s run to the final highlights her growing stature on the world stage.
Rising career graph
The Delhi-based teenager has been in exceptional form over the past two years. She won bronze at the 2025 World Junior Championships in Egypt, ending India’s 15-year wait for an individual medal at the event. Earlier this year, she claimed Asian senior titles in women’s and mixed doubles and made her senior World Championship debut in Chicago.
In 2024, Anahat captured nine PSA Challenger titles and began 2025 with the British Junior Open U-17 crown. She was also part of India’s bronze-winning women’s team at the 2023 Asian Games.
Looking ahead
Though her campaign ended painfully in Bega, Anahat Singh’s achievements underline her potential as India’s next squash star. With squash set to debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, her progress will be closely watched.
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