Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh Crowned Champions at JSW Indian Open 2026
In a spectacular display of skill and determination, local favourites Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh emerged victorious at the JSW Indian Open 2026, held at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai on Sunday. The tournament concluded with thrilling finals that showcased the rising talent in Indian squash, as both players secured the men's and women's titles respectively, marking a proud moment for the nation's sporting community.
Men's Final: Abhay Singh Dominates in All-Indian Showdown
The men's title clash was an intense all-Indian battle, featuring second-seeded Abhay Singh against fourth-seeded compatriot Veer Chotrani. Abhay demonstrated exceptional form, overpowering Chotrani with a commanding 3-0 victory, winning the games 11-9, 11-8, and 11-4. According to an official release, the match highlighted Abhay's strategic prowess and physical dominance on the court.
In the opening game, both players engaged in a hard-fought contest, with every point fiercely contested in long rallies that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Abhay eventually prevailed in this see-saw battle, clinching the game 11-9 to take an early lead. The second game followed a similar pattern, with Chotrani putting up a spirited fight, but Abhay managed to quell the challenge, winning 11-8 to extend his advantage.
Abhay cranked up the intensity in the third game, unleashing deceptive angles and powerful smashes that left Chotrani struggling to respond. He sealed the game 11-4, securing the match and the championship title. Reflecting on his victory, Abhay Singh expressed his happiness and highlighted the health of Indian squash, noting, "I'm really happy to have won the tournament. Indian squash is very healthy right now with four men in the top 50, Anahat leading the charts in the Women's World Champs." He also emphasized the collective goal of defending gold at upcoming events like the LA Olympics, stating, "As much as we're competing against each other on tour, this year is also about coming together, pushing each other, and backing each other to win gold in Japan."
Women's Final: Anahat Singh Outclasses Egyptian Opponent
In the women's final, top-seeded Anahat Singh of India delivered a sublime performance to outclass second-seeded Hana Moataz of Egypt, clinching the title with a 3-1 victory. The scores were 11-5, 11-6, 9-11, and 11-6, showcasing Anahat's superior skill and resilience under pressure.
Despite Hana Moataz being a much-experienced contender, Anahat proved to be in a league of her own, utilizing a lethal combination of deception and speedy cross-court movement that left her opponent struggling to match the pace. The initial exchanges saw both players equally matched, but Anahat rattled off six consecutive points to take the first game 11-5 and surge into the lead.
She continued her dominance in the second game, quickly building a 5-1 lead and maintaining control to win 11-6, doubling her advantage. However, Hana staged a spirited comeback in the third game, taking a tight 11-9 verdict to stay alive in the contest. The Egyptian attempted to slow down the rallies and use difficult angles to counter Anahat's speed, briefly disrupting her rhythm.
Undeterred, Anahat regained her composure in the fourth game. After falling behind 4-1, she fought back to claim the lead at 5-4 and then won five consecutive points to secure the game 11-6 and the championship. On winning the JSW Indian Open for the second consecutive year, Anahat Singh, India's top-ranked player, commented, "I think I played well in the first two games; I went a bit off track in the third. I spoke to my coach, and he told me to focus on getting a good start. I started the fourth well, and I'm glad I was able to get through it." She also praised her opponent, saying, "It's really amazing how Hana played. She was not well the past week, reached the finals after a tough full-hour match yesterday, and still came out and put on such a great performance. I'm glad we were able to put on a good fight for the audience."
Implications for Indian Squash and Future Prospects
The victories of Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh at the JSW Indian Open 2026 underscore the growing strength and depth of Indian squash on the global stage. With multiple players ranking high internationally and consistent performances in major tournaments, the sport is poised for further success. Both champions have set their sights on upcoming events, including the LA Olympics, highlighting a year of intense competition and collaboration within the Indian squad.
This tournament not only provided thrilling entertainment for fans but also served as a testament to the hard work and dedication of Indian athletes. As the squash community celebrates these wins, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and achieving gold in international competitions, reinforcing India's position as a powerhouse in the sport.
