Anahat Singh delays Harvard for 2028 Olympic dream

Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh has postponed her admission to Harvard University to focus on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where squash will make its debut. The 18-year-old, who recently became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, told IANS that the decision was difficult but the chance to compete at the Olympics may not come again. 'I can go to college next year, but the chances of coming into the Olympics may not happen again,' she said.

Anahat has set her immediate sights on the Asian Games as a key qualification milestone, while noting other routes to the Games. Despite being touted as a potential medal hope, she emphasised a step-by-step approach: 'First I have to qualify for the Olympics. I'm not even qualified yet.' She named Joshna Chinappa, Saurav Ghosal and Dipika Pallikal as her inspirations. Anahat has broken into the world top 20 and won the Squash On Fire Open this year.

The teenager expressed happiness at inspiring young girls to take up squash. With her junior career behind her, she is now focused on becoming a consistent senior contender. The Asian Games and Olympic qualification will be her next major tests.