From Pune to Podium: How 15-Year-Old Anika Dubey is Rewriting Indian Squash History

At just 15 years old, Anika Dubey from Pune is already a name to watch in the world of squash. Her recent bronze medal victory at the 32nd Junior Squash Championship in South Korea has cemented her position as one of India's most promising young squash players.

Anika has secured her place in history as Pune's most successful junior squash player, clinching three national titles in the Under-15 category. As the youngest player from Maharashtra to represent India at the Asian Junior Team Championship in Hong Kong, her achievements include being a three-time National Champion, winner of the Girls U-15 JVPG 3-Star National Circuit Event, and qualification for the World Junior Squash Championships (U-19).

The Making of a Champion

Anika's transformation from promising junior to nationally recognised champion stems from her association with the Chance2Sports programme. "My training journey has been a transformative experience, especially as part of the Chance2Sports and their Kanga Kids initiative," she explains. "At an early age, I started training with Abhinav Sinha, and that helped make a great change in me because that's when I got to learn about technique better and long-term athlete development."

The comprehensive nature of the programme has been instrumental in shaping her approach. "Chance2Sports offered more than just coaching; it provided a full ecosystem: world-class coaching, structured training sessions, and mental conditioning," she reflects. "My coaches tailored each session to my needs, improving my technique, enhancing fitness, and shaping my mental strength. They taught me not just to control my swing, but to manage pressure and stay focused."

Looking ahead, Anika's confidence speaks to her solid foundation. "As I look ahead to the World Junior Championships in Cairo and beyond, I feel very confident that my dream of playing for India at senior levels is not just a hope. I owe my progress to this program; it's been the backbone of my journey as a competitive squash player."

Mental Fortitude in South Korea

Anika's bronze medal performance in South Korea provided a masterclass in mental resilience. "I was in South Korea, and honestly, I was pretty nervous at first," she admits. "But the moment you step onto the court and face your opponent, you know you have to be confident."

Her approach to crucial moments reveals maturity beyond her years. "Mentally, I kept preparing myself. I had only one thing in sight: winning. I was focused on the horizon of victory," she explains. "I'm grateful to my coaches, who were by my side, constantly guiding me and saying the right things at the right time. I made sure not to let my mind wander or get carried away by the pressure."

Most significantly, Anika's motivation extended beyond personal achievement. "All I wanted was to give my best and win for my country, which was my driving force throughout," she states. This sense of national pride adds another dimension to her competitive drive.

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