Anahat Singh Smashes Records to Reach Silicon Valley Open Semifinals
Indian squash star Anahat Singh makes history at the Silicon Valley Open, defeating world number 14 Salma Hany to reach the semifinals.
Indian squash sensation and Asian Games medalist Anahat Singh has continued her historic run at the Silicon Valley Open, storming into the semifinals after a thrilling victory on Friday. In a match defined by resilience and grit, Anahat overcame world number 14 Salma Hany in a five-game rollercoaster to secure her spot in the final four.
A Rollercoaster Battle Against Salma Hany
The quarterfinal clash was a test of nerves, lasting 42 minutes. Anahat faced a challenging start, losing the first game 4-11. However, the young Indian star refused to back down, fighting her way back into the contest. The match swung back and forth, with the players winning games alternately.
Anahat eventually sealed the victory with a scoreline of 3-2 (4-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-2, 11-5). This victory is a landmark achievement, as Anahat becomes the first Indian female squash player to reach the semifinals of a PSA Tour Gold-level event since 2019. It also marks her first-ever semifinal appearance in this prestigious category.
"I did not start off too well... but I just wanted to find a way for me to make my way back into the match and give it a fight," Anahat shared in a video by the PSA Squash Tour. "Whether it is a win or a loss, I did not want to let it go too easily. I just gave it my all... it was quite a rollercoaster."
Giant-Killing Streak
The win over Hany follows another stunning performance on Thursday, where Anahat pulled off one of the biggest upsets of her career. She defeated the legendary eight-time world champion from Egypt, Nour El Sherbini, to enter the quarterfinals. Anahat dominated that encounter, winning 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 11-7) in a clinical 30-minute match.
A Year of History
Anahat's current form is a continuation of her incredible momentum from the Asian Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya. During that event, she etched her name in the record books by becoming the first Indian woman to win a singles squash silver medal at the continental level. She also played a pivotal role in helping the Indian women's team secure a bronze medal.
The broader Indian squash contingent also enjoyed a successful outing at the Asian Games, returning home with a total of five medals—two silver and three bronze—highlighting the rising dominance of India on the global squash stage.