Anahat, Abhay, Velavan inducted in TOPS with focus on 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Squash will make its Olympics debut in Los Angeles in 2028
image for illustrative purpose
Next gen squash players Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar have been inducted into the Development Group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mission Olympics Cell (MOC).
The squash players have been inducted into the TOPS scheme, keeping the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in mind as the sport will be making its debut in the quadrennial Games in that edition.
Anahat, a national champion, with over 46 titles in the national circuit so far, has started making waves on the international circuit as well. Anahat is the current Asian U-17 champion and has also won two PSA World Tour titles apart from two Asian Games medals under her belt.
Anahat hoped the move to get included in the TOPS might act as motivation for youngsters to pick up the sport. “I am really honoured SAI and SRFI considered me to be added to TOPS and I believe it will be a big support for me in improving my game and getting ready for international competition. I am sure when other Indian squash players hear about this, they will be encouraged to pick up the sport professionally, as they will know the government is supporting them if they perform well and represent India. I feel more junior players have already started coming forward for prominent international tournaments, in the buildup to its (squash’s) inclusion into the LA Olympics. The numbers have increased, and the competition is now huge. Everyone is working hard on getting that shot at that first Olympic medal at LA 2028,” the 16-year-old told the Sports Authority of India.
Abhay, who has won nine PSA World Tour titles and played an integral part in the Indian men’s team’s triumph at the Asian Games last year, said he was honoured to be inducted into TOPS. “I’ve been working hard to climb up the PSA rankings and have been funding all my expenses to travel abroad and train under some of the best coaches. I’m happy that TOPS will now take care of me, and I really hope we keep producing results on the world tour, especially the 2026 Asian Games and the Olympics,” he told SAI.
Talking about the inclusion, the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary general Cyrus Poncha said the inclusion of squash in the TOPS programme marks a pivotal moment for the sport in India. He opined that beyond immediate benefits like increased participation and enhanced training opportunities, the recognition also signifies a broader endorsement of squash as a significant sporting discipline within the country.
He said the move will help strengthen international exposure. “Including squash in TOPS opens doors to international exposure and collaboration, fostering exchange programs and partnerships with leading squash nations. This is bound to enhance the overall standard of squash in India,” he told SAI.
