ASIAN GAMES 2026 | Wilstrop believes that Anahat is becoming unplayable as she matures physically and tactically.

Former world number one James Willstrop, who is part of the coaching staff of the Indian squash team preparing for the Asian Games, believes Anahat Singh’s instinctive attacking game makes her a “very unusual player”.

“She has the instinct to go to the front of the court and hit a clean short shot. I have very rarely seen it done the way she does by someone as good as her,” he said at the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) on Thursday before the squash team left for Japan on Friday.

“I mean, she’s a very unusual player. She’s unusual in that she attacks from the front so skillfully and more often than the other girls. So the other girls are constantly on the edge.”

Anahat, the reigning world junior champion, is still “very young” and “relatively inexperienced compared to her compatriots,” Wilstrop said.

“She’s still a kid. She’s barely played in any platinum tournaments. She’s up against them, but maybe there’s a little less pressure on her than there is on them,” he added.

Wilstrop expects the 18-year-old to become increasingly difficult to beat as she develops physically and tactically.

“Girls are already fighting her because of her pure instinct and attack. Give her a few more years. When she gains physical strength, becomes even more disciplined and understands play formation even better, it will be a real nightmare for opponents. She is a great prospect,” he said.

The 43-year-old sees his role at the Asian Games primarily as providing “tactical support” while helping players make the most of their “experience”.

Talking about India’s medal prospects in singles, he said: “Obviously Anahat has a big chance of medaling – it could be gold. Abhay (Singh) and Veer (Chotrani) have a big chance.

“I saw Veer push Ali Farag really hard at the World Championships. I saw him play amazing squash. If he can show that, he has a huge chance of winning a medal.”