Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh registered one of the biggest victories of her career on Thursday, defeating Egypt’s eight-time world champion Nour El Sherbini in straight games to advance to the quarterfinals of the Silicon Valley Open.
The 18-year-old, who recently enjoyed a memorable campaign at the Asian Games 2026, dominated the contest to secure a convincing 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-7) win over El Sherbini. The match lasted just 30 minutes.
Anahat reflects on career-best victory
The official handle of the PSA Squash Tour celebrated Anahat’s performance in a post on X, describing the result as a landmark achievement for the young Indian.
“Singh-sational. 18-year-old @Anahat_Singh13 has claimed the biggest win of her career, beating 8-time World Champion Nour ElSherbini to reach the @SVOpenSquash quarter finals Anahat Singh beats [1] Nour ElSherbini 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 (30m),” the post read.
Following the match, Anahat spoke about her admiration for El Sherbini, revealing that she had grown up watching the Egyptian star compete.
“I have grown up watching every single match of hers. I admire her, and she is an inspiration to all squash players. You want to achieve the things she has in her career. I did not expect the first time of me sharing the court with her go like this. I thought I would take a while to settle in and understand how to play her. But the game plan worked very well,” Anahat said.
Anahat builds on historic Asian Games campaign
Anahat enters the Silicon Valley Open following an impressive outing at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, where she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in singles squash at the continental competition.
She also contributed to India’s bronze-medal finish in the women’s team event, adding to her successful campaign at the Games.
The eight-member Indian squash contingent returned from Aichi-Nagoya with five medals, including two silver and three bronze, underlining India’s strong showing at the continental event.
Anahat will now look to carry her momentum into the quarterfinals of the Silicon Valley Open after securing a statement victory against one of the sport’s most accomplished players.