Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Calls for Mass Participation to Transform India’s Squash Future
Former India No. 1 squash player Saurav Ghosal has set a high benchmark for rising teenage star Anahat Singh, stating that breaking into the world’s top-10 should be the “bare minimum” for her. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of not putting undue pressure on such a young athlete.
Ghosal described Anahat as a “rare talent,” highlighting her strong skill set, physical ability, and mental toughness. He noted that her game is nearly complete—she reacts quickly on court, executes a wide variety of shots, and maintains composure even in challenging situations, setting her apart from her peers.
He also credited her strong support system as a key factor in her growth. With guidance from former World No. 1 Grégory Gaultier, experienced coach Stéphane Galifi, and mentorship from Ghosal himself, Anahat is training in an ideal environment. According to him, “It doesn’t get better than this.”
However, Ghosal stressed that Indian squash should not rely solely on a few standout players. He pointed out the lack of depth in the country, saying that stronger internal competition is necessary to push top athletes to higher levels.
Drawing comparisons with squash powerhouses like Egypt, he noted how top players there regularly train and compete against each other, constantly raising standards. To replicate such success, Ghosal advocated for a “mass participation model” in India, suggesting that squash be introduced to children at an early age across schools.
He believes that increasing participation will naturally produce future champions. He also suggested leveraging institutions like Kendriya Vidyalaya as “satellite centres” to expand access to the sport.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ghosal shared that his definition of success has evolved beyond just winning and losing. He now believes true fulfillment comes from enjoying the journey and the time spent pursuing one’s passion, even as the desire to win remains strong.