Redwood City, October 23 (H.S.): India’s young squash sensation Anahat Singh produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Egypt’s sixth seed, Salma Hany, in the quarter-finals of the Silicon Valley Open, securing a place in the semi-finals of a PSA Gold-level tournament for the first time in her career.

The 18-year-old Indian, ranked 15th in the world, overcame world No. 14 Hany in a 42-minute contest, winning 4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5. After falling behind 1-2 in games, Anahat displayed impressive composure and determination to claim the next two games and seal the victory.

A day earlier, Anahat had produced another major upset by defeating Egypt’s world No. 3 and eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini in straight games.

Reflecting on her victory over Hany, Anahat said she had never previously played against the Egyptian and had been unsure what to expect before stepping onto the court. She acknowledged Hany’s extensive experience on the PSA Tour, adding that she had watched her compete on numerous occasions.

Anahat said her victory over El Sherbini had boosted her confidence and strengthened her belief that she could challenge any opponent if she performed well.

The Indian also admitted that she had felt somewhat emotionally drained following the previous day’s win. However, she was determined not to lose the momentum she had built during the tournament. She said she had focused on giving her best and was delighted to have advanced to the next round.

Anahat will face Malaysia’s world No. 4 and reigning Asian Games champion Sivasangari Subramaniam in the semi-finals. Sivasangari had defeated the Indian in the women’s singles final at the Asian Games.

Squash is also set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games, adding further significance to the sport’s growing international profile.

Anahat has already established an impressive record on the international stage. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, she won two bronze medals in the women’s team and mixed doubles events.

She subsequently secured the women’s singles silver medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the squash singles final at the continental competition.

Earlier this year, Anahat also won the girls’ singles title at the World Junior Squash Championships, becoming the first Indian player to achieve the feat. Her triumph ended Egypt’s 15-year dominance of the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar