Willstrop expects Anahat Singh to become harder to beat as she matures
James Willstrop, part of the coaching staff for India’s Asian Games squash contingent, spoke at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and said he expects 18-year-old Anahat Singh to grow increasingly difficult to beat as she develops physically and tactically. The comments came during a practice session ahead of the squad’s departure for Japan on Friday.
Willstrop, a former world No. 1 who is 43 years old, was pictured with player Shameena Riaz during the practice at the Indian Squash Academy. He described Anahat, the reigning World junior champion, as "very young" and "relatively inexperienced compared to her compatriots."
Describing her playing style, Willstrop said: “She’s got this instinct to go into the front of the court and to hit accurately short. I’ve very rarely seen it being done the way she’s doing it by someone as good as she is,” ,” he said at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) on Thursday, ahead of the squash contingent’s departure for Japan on Friday.
He added: “I mean, she’s a very unusual player. Unusual in that she attacks the front so clinically and more often than the other girls. So, the other girls are constantly on edge.”
On Anahat’s experience and tournament exposure, Willstrop said: “She’s a baby. She’s barely played any platinum events. She’s up against them, but then she’s probably got a little bit less pressure than they have,” he added.
Looking at her development, he warned opponents will find her tougher as she strengthens and sharpens her tactical game: “The girls are already struggling with her now because of her sheer instinct and attack. Give her a few more years. When she gets the physical strength, becomes even more disciplined, and gets even more understanding of constructing rallies, it’s going to be a real nightmare for the opponents. She’s a wonderful prospect,” he said.
Willstrop said his role at the Asian Games will be to provide “tactical support,” while helping the players make the most of his “experience.” On India’s singles medal chances he said: “Anahat’s obviously a big prospect for a medal chance — that could be gold. Abhay (Singh) and Veer (Chotrani) have great chances. “I’ve seen Veer push Ali Farag very hard at the World Championships. I’ve seen him play some fabulous squash. If he can produce that, there’s a massive chance of a medal.”
The Indian squash contingent departs for Japan on Friday to compete at the Asian Games, with Willstrop travelling as part of the coaching staff.