Harvard can wait, Olympics can't: CWG Squash winner Anahat Singh puts college plan on hold to focus on Los Angeles 2028

India’s squash star Anahat Singh has deferred her plans to attend Harvard to focus on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut, as per an IANS report. The 18-year-old, who recently became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, said the unique opportunity to compete at the Games influenced her decision to postpone college.

Anahat Singh prioritises Olympic qualification over Harvard

Anahat acknowledged that delaying college was not an easy decision, but said the timing made the choice clearer as she looks to maximise her chances of reaching LA 2028.

"I mean, of course, it was a bit difficult, but I knew that this year was really important for me squash-wise. And, you know, I can go to college next year, but the chances of coming into the Olympics may not happen again," Anahat told IANS.


"So I think just, I mean, thinking about it in that aspect, it wasn't that hard," she added.

Squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Anahat has identified qualification as her immediate target, with the upcoming Asian Games representing her first major opportunity to move closer to securing a place. She is also aware that other qualification routes are available.

‘First I have to qualify for the Olympics’

Although Anahat is already being discussed as one of India's potential medal hopes for LA 2028, she said her attention remains on getting through the qualification process rather than focusing on a medal at this stage.

"I'd say it's motivating. I mean, first I have to qualify for the Olympics. I'm not even qualified yet, so I think just taking it step by step and, you know, first focusing on the Asian Games and, you know, there are other ways to make it to the Olympics as well," she said.

Having broken into the world's top 20, Anahat said securing qualification would be her first priority before preparing for the larger objective of winning a medal.

"So, you know, my first main aim is just to make it and qualify for the Olympics and then focus on training towards it and win a medal there," she said.

Joshna Chinappa, Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal are her idols

Anahat's development has been influenced by established Indian squash players who competed before her. Asked about her idols, she named Joshna Chinappa, Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal rather than selecting one individual.

"I'd say my idols would be my seniors like Joshna, Saurav and Deepika. I mean, I can't really pick one of them," Anahat said.

"I've grown up playing all the events with them, and I've seen them outside the court, and I've gotten a chance to learn so much from them as well. So it's, you know, they're all really, really special," she added.

Anahat hopes to inspire more young girls

The 18-year-old is increasingly becoming a role model for the next generation of Indian squash players, particularly young girls following her rise in the sport.

Anahat said she was happy that her achievements could encourage more youngsters to pursue squash and sports.

"I mean, I'm really, really happy that a lot of young girls want to take up squash, hopefully, and they're able to do well in sports, and it's really special to me. So hopefully it can be like that," she said.

World Junior title marks latest step in rapid rise

Anahat's historic World Junior Championship victory came after several attempts at the tournament. The achievement added to a rapid rise that has also included winning the Squash On Fire Open and breaking into the world's top 20.

With her junior career now behind her, Anahat is targeting a consistent presence at the senior level. The Asian Games and the race for Olympic qualification are set to be her next major challenges.