2 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh delivered one of the biggest upsets of her young career by defeating world No.10 Georgina Kennedy, announcing herself emphatically on the global squash stage. The remarkable victory not only underlined Anahat’s rapid rise in international squash but also highlighted India’s growing presence in a sport traditionally dominated by players from Europe and Egypt.
The win came in a high-intensity match where the teenage Indian showcased exceptional composure, tactical intelligence, and physical endurance against a far more experienced opponent. For Indian squash fans, the result marked a proud moment and reinforced belief in the next generation of elite players.
A Breakthrough Moment for Anahat Singh
Anahat Singh, widely regarded as one of India’s brightest squash talents, has been steadily climbing the ranks with consistent performances on the professional circuit. However, her win over Georgina Kennedy—one of the world’s top-ranked players—stands out as a defining milestone in her career so far.
Facing a player ranked inside the global top 10 is always a daunting challenge, particularly for a teenager still finding her feet at the senior level. Yet Anahat approached the contest with confidence, refusing to be overawed by Kennedy’s reputation or experience.
From the opening rallies, Anahat displayed sharp movement, precise shot selection, and a fearless attacking mindset that kept her opponent under constant pressure.
How the Match Unfolded
The match began with Kennedy asserting her authority, using her powerful length and court coverage to test the young Indian. However, Anahat responded with maturity beyond her years, mixing tight boasts with well-disguised drops to disrupt Kennedy’s rhythm.
As the match progressed, it became evident that Anahat was not merely competing—she was controlling key phases of play. Her ability to retrieve difficult shots and turn defense into attack frustrated Kennedy, who struggled to find consistency.
In crucial moments, Anahat held her nerve, winning long rallies and capitalizing on unforced errors from the higher-ranked player. The final stages of the match saw Anahat maintaining her intensity, eventually sealing a memorable victory that left spectators and experts impressed.
Who Is Georgina Kennedy?
Georgina Kennedy has been one of the most consistent performers on the women’s professional squash circuit. Known for her athleticism, speed, and tactical discipline, she has regularly challenged the world’s top players and delivered strong results in major tournaments.
Defeating a player of Kennedy’s caliber is no small feat, particularly for someone as young as Anahat Singh. The result underscores the significance of the upset and the level of performance Anahat produced on the day.
Significance for Indian Squash
Indian squash has seen a resurgence in recent years, with players making deeper runs in international tournaments and gaining valuable exposure on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour. Anahat Singh’s victory adds further momentum to this upward trajectory.
Experts believe such wins are crucial not just for individual confidence but also for the broader ecosystem of the sport in India. “Beating a top-10 player changes how the world views you—and how you view yourself,” said a former international squash coach. “This could be a turning point for Anahat.”
The win is also expected to earn her valuable ranking points, helping her climb the world rankings and secure direct entry into higher-level tournaments.
Mental Strength Beyond Her Years
One of the most striking aspects of Anahat’s performance was her mental resilience. Competing against a top-ranked opponent often brings pressure, especially in high-stakes matches. However, Anahat remained calm, focused, and composed throughout.
She showed remarkable discipline in sticking to her game plan, avoiding unnecessary risks while still playing positive squash. Her body language reflected belief and determination, qualities that separate good players from future champions.
Sports psychologists often emphasize that mental toughness is critical at the elite level, and Anahat’s display suggested she is already developing this crucial attribute.
Reaction From the Squash Community
The squash fraternity reacted with widespread praise following Anahat’s win. Coaches, former players, and fans took to social media to congratulate the young Indian, calling the result “sensational” and “a glimpse into the future of Indian squash.”
Many highlighted the importance of continued support, exposure, and high-quality competition to ensure that talents like Anahat can sustain their progress. “This is not just about one win,” noted a senior squash administrator. “It’s about building consistency at this level.”
What This Means for Anahat’s Future
While one victory does not define a career, wins of this magnitude often serve as catalysts. For Anahat Singh, defeating a world No.10 player is likely to boost her confidence and belief that she belongs among the elite.
The result may also bring increased attention from sponsors, federations, and international tournament organizers. With greater exposure comes higher expectations, but also more opportunities to test herself against the best in the world.
If she continues to combine technical skill with mental strength and physical conditioning, Anahat could soon become a regular contender in major PSA events.
A Sign of Changing Times
Anahat Singh’s victory is symbolic of a broader shift in global squash, where young players from non-traditional squash nations are beginning to challenge established stars. It reflects improved training methods, access to international competition, and growing ambition among young athletes.
For Indian sports fans, the result is another reminder that the country’s talent pool is expanding beyond mainstream sports, with athletes excelling across disciplines on the world stage.
Conclusion
Anahat Singh’s stunning win over world No.10 Georgina Kennedy is more than just an upset—it is a statement of intent. It highlights her immense potential, maturity, and readiness to compete at the highest level of international squash.
As her journey continues, this victory will be remembered as a landmark moment—one that could well mark the beginning of a new era for Indian squash.
Summary:
Teenage squash star Anahat Singh shocked the global circuit by defeating world No.10 Georgina Kennedy, marking a career-defining upset and underlining India’s growing strength in international squash.