From Prodigy To Contender: How Gregory Gaultier Is Shaping Anahat Singh’s Journey

Last Updated:March 04, 2026, 07:00 IST

Under Gregory Gaultier’s guidance, teenage star Anahat Singh has added structure to her flair, eyeing bigger goals as squash heads toward its Olympic debut in 2028.

When Gregory Gaultier joined Anahat Singh’s team two years ago, the French great saw not just promise but rare potential. A 2013 World Games champion and 2015 world champion, Gaultier joined the team when Anahat was just 15, already a rising name on the professional circuit.

The results since then have been staggering. In that very year, Anahat captured nine tour titles, announcing herself as one of the brightest young talents in world squash. The upward curve has continued.

In 2025, Anahat claimed the World Cup title and added the Asian championship to her growing résumé. The 2026 season started on a similar note, with a title at the Squash on Fire Open and she now turns her focus to the JSW Indian Open under Gaultier’s guidance.

“I have known her for quite some time," Gaultier told News18 Sports. “I trained with her when she was just 13 or 14 during a camp in India ahead of the Asian Games. Even back then, she was brilliant, so gifted at such a young age."

What stood out to Gaultier early was Anahat’s natural flair. “She had shots that many other girls didn’t possess, which is a huge asset, along with her excellent squash IQ," Gaultier says.

“Now she has matured in her approach. She has added more structure to her game and incorporated new elements. Travelling and competing in the biggest tournaments in the world have played a massive role in her development," Gaultier adds.

One of the defining victories of Anahat’s young career came at the SRFI Indian Open last year, when she edged past Asian Games bronze medallist Joshna Chinappa in a thriller. Asked what gives Anahat an edge over an opponent 22 years her senior, Gaultier points first to her physicality and then to growth.

“She has been winning, but many matches have been close," Gaultier explains. “That is understandable because Joshna and Anahat know each other’s games inside out. When you play someone you know so well, there are very few surprises."

But Gaultier believes recent improvements have made the difference. “Physically, she has taken a big step forward. Competing against top players, spending time away from home, that exposure has boosted her confidence and strengthened her belief."

Within the support team, the objective is clear: polish the talent and build a complete athlete. The focus has been on sharpening Anahat’s technique, strengthening her fitness and bringing more structure and clarity to her tactics.

“I try to share my experience," Gaultier says. “I have been on tour for many years and gone through tough matches and great moments. I want her to be prepared, not to be caught off guard in key situations and to anticipate challenges."

Gaultier is careful not to alter what makes Anahat special. “She has a strong attacking style. She is creative and capable of surprising opponents. What we are working on now is adding structure and consistency to that natural flair."

Beyond individual progress, the sport itself is entering a transformative phase. Squash will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with men’s and women’s singles events to be played on a glass court at Universal Studios’ Courthouse Square.

“It’s fantastic news for the sport," Gaultier says. “The Olympics are a dream for every player. Honestly, I wish this opportunity existed when I was still competing. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Gaultier hopes squash’s inclusion will extend beyond a single edition. “If the event in Los Angeles is a success, it can take the sport to another dimension."

As someone who has witnessed global squash cultures up close, Gaultier also offered insight into Egypt’s dominance. Over the decades, the nation has produced champions such as Amr Shabana, Ali Farag, Raneem El Weleily and Nouran Gohar.

“In Egypt, squash is a major sport, right up there with football," Gaultier explains. “Many families choose between those two. In countries like France or India, squash competes with many other sports."

Depth, Gaultier says, is the key differentiator. “Some Egyptian clubs have hundreds of players. When you have that kind of volume, the chances of producing champions increase. In countries with smaller playing pools, it’s statistically harder."

India, though, has its own proud tradition, from Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal to Saurav Ghoshal and Ramit Tandon. Now, Anahat represents the next wave. The growth of domestic events is significant.

The JSW Indian Open returns for its second season at the CCI Brabourne Stadium as a PSA Copper event this month. Anahat headlines the women’s draw, while the men’s field includes top seed Yahya Elnawasany, Abhay Singh and Ramit Tandon.

“JSW has done a tremendous job," Gaultier says. “These tournaments are a big boost for players and for squash in India. They offer ranking points and visibility."

Gaultier also welcomed the event’s expansion. “Last year, it was a smaller tournament. This year it’s bigger, with a men’s event and equal prize money. That’s a fantastic step."

Reflecting on how the sport has evolved, Gaultier believes modern athletes have advantages that previous generations didn’t.

“Thirty or 40 years ago, players did not have the same tools, technology or expertise," Gaultier says. “Today, athletes aim to be complete, technically, tactically, physically, mentally and nutritionally."

Anahat’s development mirrors that shift. She works with several experts, gaining varied perspectives and ideas.

“The more knowledge you have around you, the better prepared you are," Gaultier says.

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