Anahat Singh finishes runner-up after historic run at NSW Squash Bega Open 2025

Anahat Singh retired hurt in the final against Egypt’s Habiba Hani due to injury.

Anahat Singh’s dream run at the NSW Squash Bega Open 2025 ended in heartbreak on Sunday, as the 17-year-old Indian was forced to retire hurt in the women’s singles final.

Despite the disappointment, the teenager created history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a PSA World Tour Copper-level event.

Up against Egypt’s Habiba Hani in the summit clash at the Bega Country Club in New South Wales, Australia, Anahat Singh started strong, taking the opening game 11–9.

But Hani fought back to win the next two games and take the lead. In the fourth game, with the Indian trailing 4–10 and just a point away from defeat, an ankle injury forced her to withdraw, handing Hani the title.

A first-ever World Events title for Habiba Hani 👏🏆The Egyptian defeats top seed Anahat Singh in four games to be crowned the NSW Squash Bega Open 2025 champion 🔥🔥Finals Report 👉 https://t.co/ft3d4TlLDo pic.twitter.com/T3MZ1gblD2

— PSA Squash Tour (@PSASquashTour) August 17, 2025

Nevertheless, it was already a historic run for the Indian, who showcased stellar performances throughout her campaign in New South Wales.

She stormed through the draw with commanding wins over Australia’s Sarah Cardwell (3–0) in the round of 16 and South Africa’s Hayley Ward (3–0) in the quarter-finals.

In the semi-finals, the second seeded Indian fought through injury to outlast Egypt’s Nour Khafagy 3–2 in a thrilling five-game battle.

Other Indians including Tanvi Khanna had also participated in the event, but they crashed out earlier.

The winner of the tournament, Habiba Hani, booked her spot in the finals with win over India’s Akanksha Salunkhe 3–1 in her semi-final.

Born on 13 March 2008 in Delhi Anahat Singh grew up in a sports-loving family. Her mother Tani Vadehra is an interior designer, and father Gursharan Singh is a lawyer.

Her journey into sports began when she was just a five-year-old. Singh was inspired by none other than Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu. Watching the two-time Olympic medallist’s matches sparked a dream in Anahat of one day standing on the Olympic podium.

Also Read: India end long-wait for medal with bronze at World Squash Junior Team Championships 2025

She initially tried badminton, but it was squash that ultimately became her calling, and she has never looked back.

In July 2025, Anahat Singh won a bronze medal at the World Junior Squash Championships 2025 in Egypt, ending India’s 15-year wait for an individual medal at the under-19 level. Earlier this year, she clinched the Asian senior women’s and mixed doubles titles and made her senior World Championship debut in Chicago.

So far in her young Squash career, she has clinched Nine PSA Challenger titles in 2024. She was also the member of India’s bronze-winning team at the 2023 Asian Games.

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