Anahat ‘big prospect’ for squash gold medal at Asian Games 2026, says coach Willstrop

James Willstrop sees his role at the Asian Games as primarily providing “tactical support,” while helping the players make the most of his “experience.” | Photo Credit: R. RAGU

Former World No. 1 James Willstrop, who’s part of the coaching staff for the Asian Games-bound Indian squash contingent, believes Anahat Singh’s instinctive attacking game makes her a “very unusual player.”

“She’s got this instinct to go into the front of the court and to hit accurately short. I’ve very rarely seen it being done the way she’s doing it by someone as good as she is. I mean, she’s a very unusual player. Unusual in that she attacks the front so clinically and more often than the other girls. So, the other girls are constantly on edge,” he said at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) on Thursday, ahead of the squash contingent’s departure for Japan on Friday.

Anahat, the reigning World junior champion, is still “very young” and “relatively inexperienced compared to her compatriots,” Willstrop said.

“She’s a baby. She’s barely played any platinum events. She’s up against them, but then she’s probably got a little bit less pressure than they have,” he added.

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Willstrop expects the 18-year-old to become increasingly difficult to beat as she develops physically and tactically.

“The girls are already struggling with her now because of her sheer instinct and attack. Give her a few more years. When she gets the physical strength, becomes even more disciplined, and gets even more understanding of constructing rallies, it’s going to be a real nightmare for the opponents. She’s a wonderful prospect,” he said.

The 43-year-old sees his role at the Asian Games as primarily providing “tactical support,” while helping the players make the most of his “experience.”

Speaking about India’s singles medal prospects, he said, “Anahat’s obviously a big prospect for a medal chance - that could be gold. Abhay (Singh) and Veer (Chotrani) have great chances. I’ve seen Veer push Ali Farag very hard at the World Championships. I’ve seen him play some fabulous squash. If he can produce that, there’s a massive chance of a medal.”