April 20, 2025 — Indian sports is witnessing a strong surge of young talent making waves on the international stage. In a thrilling development, rising squash stars Anahat Singh and Veer Chotrani have secured their berths for the prestigious World Squash Championships, while ace shooter Arjun Babuta clinched a silver medal at the ISSF World Cup, adding to India’s growing tally of international honors.
Rising Stars in Squash: Anahat Singh and Veer Chotrani
India’s squash fraternity received a massive boost as Anahat Singh, the teenage prodigy from Delhi, and Veer Chotrani, the country’s top-ranked male player, officially qualified for the upcoming 2025 Squash World Championships. The qualification not only marks a personal achievement for both players but also highlights the growing depth in Indian squash.
Anahat, just 17 years old, continues to impress with her maturity on court. She stormed through the qualifying rounds held in Kuala Lumpur with a series of dominant performances, showcasing her signature mix of agility and tactical intelligence. Having already made headlines with her appearance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, her consistent rise signals a bright future.
Speaking after her qualification, Anahat said, “It feels surreal. This is the tournament every player dreams of. I’ve worked really hard for this moment and I’m excited to represent India on the world stage.”
On the men’s side, Veer Chotrani’s journey has been equally inspiring. A former collegiate star from Cornell University, Veer has steadily climbed the ranks over the past two years. His gritty performances at the Asian qualifiers, particularly a hard-fought five-game win against the top-seeded Malaysian opponent, sealed his place in the Worlds.
“Qualifying for the World Championships has been a lifelong goal,” Veer remarked. “Now it’s about preparing well and going as deep as I can in the tournament.”
Their entry into the world’s most prestigious squash event is a testament to the growth of squash infrastructure in India, as well as support from academies, the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), and international exposure.
Arjun Babuta Shines with Silver at ISSF World Cup
Meanwhile, in the shooting world, Arjun Babuta added another feather to his cap with a silver medal in the men’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo. Babuta, who has been part of India’s elite shooting circuit for several years, shot an impressive 251.4 in the finals, narrowly missing gold by just 0.3 points to China’s Sheng Lihao.
The 25-year-old from Chandigarh has had a strong season so far and has now reasserted his position among the top air rifle shooters globally. Babuta’s precision, calm demeanor under pressure, and consistency have been key to his resurgence after a quiet 2023 season.
His coach, Deepak Dubey, praised his ward’s dedication: “Arjun has worked immensely hard over the past year. This medal is a reflection of his discipline and mental toughness.”
The medal also adds to India’s overall tally at the ISSF World Cup, continuing the country’s dominant run in shooting — a sport that has become a consistent medal source across Olympics, World Championships, and other global meets.
The Bigger Picture for Indian Sports
The achievements of Singh, Chotrani, and Babuta underscore a broader trend in Indian sports — a new generation of athletes is rising, backed by better infrastructure, training methodologies, and global exposure.
From badminton and wrestling to shooting and squash, Indian athletes are increasingly making their presence felt at world events. The emergence of talent in less-traditional sports like squash and shooting indicates the diversification of India’s sporting identity, once heavily centered on cricket.
Organizations like the Sports Authority of India (SAI), private academies, and foreign training programs are helping nurture young prospects. Moreover, the visibility and financial incentives around these sports are encouraging more youth to consider professional sports careers beyond cricket.
Looking Ahead
As Anahat and Veer prepare for the World Squash Championships, expectations are high — not just for participation but for podium finishes. Meanwhile, Arjun Babuta will aim to carry his momentum into the upcoming World Championships and eventually, the Paris 2024 Olympics, where India hopes to break previous medal records.
Fans and experts alike are excited about what’s next. With names like Anahat, Veer, and Babuta leading the charge, the future of Indian sports seems more promising than ever.
Anahat Singh: The Prodigy of Indian Squash
At just 17, Anahat Singh is already a household name in Indian squash. Born in Delhi, she picked up a squash racket at the age of 8 after dabbling in badminton. Her rapid rise in the junior circuit was no fluke — she’s been crowned Asian U-15 champion, has won multiple British Junior Open titles, and became the youngest Indian athlete to compete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she reached the second round.
Anahat’s game is built around speed, anticipation, and intelligent shot placement. What sets her apart is her mental toughness, often matching — and beating — players much older and more experienced.
She trains under coach Abhinav Sinha at the Delhi Gymkhana Club, and has been regularly attending international squash camps in Egypt and the UK. Her family has also been a big part of her journey, especially her mother, Tani, who often travels with her for tournaments.
The World Squash Championships offer a stage that could catapult her from promising talent to a global icon.
“I want to be among the top 10 in the world one day, and this is one step closer,” she said in a post-match interview after securing qualification.
Veer Chotrani: Calm, Composed, and Consistent
Veer Chotrani, 23, hails from Mumbai and comes from a family of squash enthusiasts — his father, Rajiv Chotrani, is a coach and former national-level player. Veer began playing squash seriously at age 10 and quickly made a name for himself in the junior circuit.
After dominating in India, he pursued higher education and squash at Cornell University in the U.S., where he became a key player in the college circuit. His time in the U.S. helped him refine his technical skills and sharpen his court strategies. Veer is known for his baseline control and exceptional fitness, often dragging opponents into long rallies.
He has been climbing the PSA world rankings steadily and has consistently reached the quarterfinals and semis in international tournaments. His recent wins in the Asian Qualifiers, including victories over higher-seeded players, mark a turning point.
“Veer’s maturity on court is beyond his years. He’s not just playing to qualify — he’s playing to win,” said India’s national squash coach Cyrus Poncha.
Arjun Babuta: Silver With a Shot at Gold
The ISSF Journey
The ISSF World Cup in Cairo was stacked with talent from over 40 countries. Arjun Babuta, competing in the 10m air rifle, showed exceptional form from the qualification round itself. He topped the qualifying table with a score of 632.5, entering the finals as one of the frontrunners.
In the final, Babuta maintained composure under pressure, displaying near-flawless control through the first three series. It came down to the final few shots, where China’s Lihao narrowly edged ahead with a 10.9 final shot. Babuta ended with 251.4, just 0.3 behind the gold medal.
“I’ve been training hard, especially on my trigger discipline and breathing technique. This medal boosts my confidence ahead of the World Championships,” Babuta shared with media.
A Look Into His Training
Babuta trains at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range under the supervision of Coach Deepak Dubey and the support of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). His daily regime includes three hours of live shooting, visualization techniques, and advanced biomechanics training.
Over the years, Babuta has faced stiff competition from India’s pool of talented rifle shooters like Divyansh Panwar and Hriday Hazarika, making every national qualification a test in itself. His recent performances suggest he is peaking at just the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anahat Singh?
Anahat Singh is a teenage squash player from Delhi, India, known for being one of the youngest Indian athletes to compete internationally. She has won multiple junior titles and recently qualified for the 2025 World Squash Championships.
What is Veer Chotrani known for?
Veer Chotrani is a top-ranked Indian men’s squash player. A former college star at Cornell University, he qualified for the World Squash Championships and is known for his consistency and fitness on court.
What medal did Arjun Babuta win recently?
Arjun Babuta won the silver medal in the 10m air rifle event at the ISSF World Cup held in Cairo. He finished just behind China’s Sheng Lihao by 0.3 points in the final.
How significant is qualification for the World Squash Championships?
It is a major milestone. The World Squash Championships are considered the most prestigious event in the sport, and qualifying for it puts players in the global spotlight alongside the world’s best.
When will the 2025 World Squash Championships take place?
The exact dates are yet to be officially confirmed, but the event is expected to take place later this year in Doha, Qatar.
What is India’s status in shooting sports globally?
India is among the top-performing nations in shooting. With a strong history in events like the Olympics and World Cups, India consistently produces top-tier shooters across various disciplines.
Are Anahat and Veer expected to win medals at the World Championships?
While both are underdogs compared to top seeds, they are capable of big upsets. Their current form and young age make them exciting prospects for deep runs in the tournament.
