15-Year-Old Anika Dubey from Pune wins Junior National Squash Championship U-19 title

The Junior National Squash Championship (U-19) held in Chennai was won by 15-year-old Anika Dubey from Pune, Maharashtra, marking her as one of the youngest champions in the category. She also became one of the few players from Maharashtra to lift the prestigious trophy.

The victory was described by Anika as a confidence booster. She said that it made her realise she could take risks and compete at higher levels, including senior and international tournaments.

The teenager was trained under coach Abhinav Sinha at the Chance2Sports Foundation in Pune. Throughout the competition, players older and more experienced than her were defeated. The importance of mental preparation and planning was credited by Anika for her success.

Extensive tactics were planned with her coach before each match. Meditation and focus exercises were also used to manage nervousness, especially when facing older competitors.

Alongside her sporting achievements, Anika is also pursuing her Class 10 studies, preparing for the board exams in February 2026. She acknowledged the support of her parents in managing her schedule, stress, and studies.

Looking ahead, focus is being shifted towards senior and international competitions, including the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournaments. Anika expressed that her next goal is to compete in women’s categories and on the international junior circuit.

The year 2025 has already been remarkable for Anika. Bronze medals were won at the Asian Junior Individual Championship (U-17) and the Asian Junior Team Championship (U-19). She also competed in the World Junior Championships (U-19). Her recent victory marks her fourth consecutive national title, establishing her as a rising star in Indian squash.

Historically, previous winners of the Girls U-19 National Championship include:

• 2024: Aditi Dubey (Karnataka)

• 2023: Tanvi Sharma (Delhi)

• 2022: Riya Mehta (Maharashtra)

• 2021: Ananya Rao (Karnataka)