The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mission Olympics Cell (MOC) has inducted next generation squash players Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar into the Development Group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The squash players have been inducted into TOPS with a focus on 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the sport is set to debut in the quadrennial games in that edition.

For years, Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa have kept the flame burning in India and are now passing the baton to the next generation of players Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthil kumar.

Talking about the inclusion, the Squash Racquets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary General Cyrus Poncha said that the inclusion of squash in the TOPS programme marks a pivotal moment for the sport in India. He said, beyond immediate benefits like increased participation and enhanced training opportunities, this recognition signifies a broader endorsement of squash as a significant sporting discipline within the country.