India’s young squash talent has delivered a powerful statement at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Championship 2025, held this week, by storming into the semifinals across multiple categories. Seven Indian players have secured their places in the final four, which guarantees at least seven medals for the country. This performance already surpasses the previous editions, where Indian players won four medals each in 2023 and 2022.
The quarterfinals saw intense battles, surprise wins, and heartbreaks. Indian players competed with grit and composure, facing some of the best junior athletes from Asia. Their progress not only highlights the nation’s growing dominance in junior squash but also reflects years of grassroots development and focused training.
Boys Under-19: Yusha Fights Hard but Falls in Five
Yusha N, seeded 9/16, pushed Japan’s Renshi M to the limit in the Boys Under-19 quarterfinals. After dropping the first two games 10-12 and 7-11, Yusha stormed back with a fiery 11-6 and 11-1 comeback to level the match. However, he couldn’t sustain the momentum and lost the deciding game 2-11. Renshi moved ahead to the semifinals, while Yusha exited with pride after a determined fight.
Boys Under-17: Aryaveer Storms Into Semis
Top-seeded Malaysian Nickhileswar ended Subhash C’s journey in the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win. Subhash fought back in the second game to level the match but couldn’t match the top seed’s pace in the remaining games.
India found joy through Aryaveer Dewan [3/4], who outclassed Malaysia’s Erwin KC [5/8] with a confident 3-1 win. Aryaveer won the first two games with ease, stumbled slightly in the third, but closed the match with a solid 11-7 finish. His powerful strokes and smart court coverage helped him dominate the match.
However, Shiven A [5/8] couldn’t join Aryaveer in the next round. He faced second-seeded Malaysian Aqil MNBK and lost 1-3 despite winning the third game. Aqil’s attacking game proved too strong, as Shiven failed to handle the pressure in the fourth game, losing it 1-11.
Boys Under-15: Aryaman Cruises Into the Final Four
India’s Aryaman Singh stunned third-seeded Wong HK from Hong Kong with a straight-games win. Aryaman dominated the court, keeping his opponent under pressure with sharp drives and tight drops, winning 11-8, 11-7, 11-8. His calm approach and consistency helped him become one of the standout performers in the category.
In contrast, Harshal R couldn’t match the power and accuracy of Pakistan’s Nauman Khan. Nauman overpowered Harshal in straight games, winning 11-6, 11-5, 11-7.
Boys Under-13: Ayaan and Amarya March Ahead
In the under-13 boys’ category, Amarya Bajaj swept past Japan’s Hiroto M in straight games. He controlled the match tempo and dominated rallies to secure an 11-8, 11-5, 11-9 victory.
Ayaan Dhanuka produced one of the day’s biggest wins, defeating third seed Muhammad S from Malaysia in four games. After losing the first game, Ayaan bounced back with authority. His sharp cross-courts and aggressive play unsettled the higher-ranked Malaysian. He sealed the match with 11-6, 11-4, 11-8 in the next three games.
However, Abhyuday A [5/8] couldn’t join his compatriots in the semis, falling to Pakistan’s Muhammad S in a one-sided contest, 2-11, 8-11, 2-11.
Girls Under-19: Anahat Sizzles, Enters Semis
Top seed Anahat Singh, one of India’s brightest squash prospects, delivered a commanding performance against Malaysia’s Doyce L [5/8]. She demolished her opponent 11-6, 11-3, 11-3, never letting her settle into the game. Anahat showed class, composure, and dominance, asserting her status as a tournament favorite.
Girls Under-17: Anika Fights Hard, Aradhya Bows Out
Aradhya P [9/16] couldn’t break through against Lo PYC [3/4] from Hong Kong. Lo dictated the pace and controlled the match from start to finish, winning 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.
Anika Dubey [5/8], however, kept the Indian hopes alive with a gritty 3-1 win over Chung YL [3/4], also from Hong Kong. Anika stayed calm under pressure, winning the first game 11-8. Though she lost the second, she quickly bounced back and held her nerve to clinch the next two, including a nail-biting fourth game that ended 13-11. Her tactical awareness and mental strength stood out in the closing stages.
Girls Under-15: Saanvi Wins All-Indian Clash
Saanvi Kalanki and Fabiha N, both representing India, faced each other in the quarterfinals. Saanvi dominated the contest, winning 11-6, 11-6, 11-2. Her superior shot selection and court movement gave her the edge, as she booked a place in the semifinals.
In another quarterfinal, Aadya B [5/8] could not overcome the challenge from second seed Jinoreeka N of Malaysia. Jinoreeka won the match comfortably in straight games, taking control early and never letting Aadya find a rhythm.
Girls Under-13: Malaysian and Pakistani Seeds End India’s Run
India’s run in the Girls Under-13 category ended at the quarterfinals. Divyanshi J [5/8] fought hard against top seed Maisarah BKN of Malaysia but couldn’t turn games in her favor. She lost 2-11, 9-11, 8-11, showing promise but not enough firepower.
Anika K [5/8] faced a tough challenge from Pakistan’s Mahnoor A [3/4], who played aggressively and forced errors. Mahnoor won in straight games, 11-6, 11-2, 11-3, ending India’s medal hopes in this category.
Medal Assured, Momentum High
With seven Indian players advancing to the semifinals, India has secured at least seven medals, surpassing the last two editions where the tally stood at four each. The semifinalists now aim to convert those guaranteed medals into golds.
This performance highlights India’s depth in junior squash. Players across age groups have shown remarkable skill, tactical understanding, and resilience. The results also reflect the consistent support and investment from the Squash Rackets Federation of India and grassroots-level coaches who continue to nurture young talent.As the semifinals approach, all eyes remain on India’s top seeds like Anahat Singh, Aryaveer Dewan, and Aryaman Singh, who carry the hopes of finishing at the top of the podium. Their performances so far signal that Indian squash stands firmly on the rise and ready to dominate Asian courts for years to come.
