Asian Games Squash Gold winner Abhay Singh bags Arjuna Award

Abhay Singh, a student of Guru Nanak College, Chennai and Winner of Squash Gold Medal in Hangzhou Asian Games, has been honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award for his exceptional achievements in the sport, solidifying his place among India’s top athletes.

A remarkable journey of talent, perseverance, and triumph has earned Indian squash player Abhay Singh the prestigious Arjuna Award. This recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the sport, solidifying his position as one of the nation’s top athletes. Singh is among the distinguished individuals honoured by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in 2024, with the award ceremony set for January 17, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Singh’s journey from a young squash enthusiast, while studying at Guru Nanak College in Chennai to one of the most promising players in the world, has been nothing short of remarkable. Born on September 3, 1998, in Chennai, Singh’s early passion for squash led him to train at the Indian Squash and Triathlon Academy. However, his path was not always smooth, and his early years in the sport were filled with challenges.

As a teenager, Singh had to lose around 20 kg in weight to attain the physical fitness necessary for competitive squash. This commitment to his fitness was just the beginning of his transformation into a top-tier player. It was clear from the start that Singh had a fierce determination to succeed and the talent to match.

Singh’s educational journey at GNC played a crucial role in shaping his future. While pursuing his studies at GNC, Singh balanced his academics with his passion for squash. GNC, known for its nurturing environment, has always encouraged students to excel both in academics and extracurricular activities.

For Singh, GNC became a supportive foundation that allowed him to pursue his squash career while ensuring he completed his higher education. The college’s emphasis on discipline, hard work, and balanced growth has undoubtedly contributed to Singh’s resilience on and off the court. He graduated from GNC, which is situated in his hometown of Velachery, Chennai, further cementing the connection between his academic and sporting achievements. He is currently pursuing his second year in Masters of Art (Defence) at the Guru Nanak College.

Singh’s entry into professional squash was marked by his consistent performances in junior tournaments. He quickly gained recognition as one of India’s top young players and was ranked as the top player in the boys’ U-19 category in India and Asia. His potential was evident, and he soon began to compete on the international circuit. However, it was not until 2022 that Singh truly began to make waves on the world stage. That year, he achieved an incredible breakthrough, marking a period of rapid ascent in the squash world.

In 2022, Singh clinched five titles in Challenger Tour events, showcasing his immense talent and mental resilience. His victories included the Archi Factory Open Lorient, Tuankur Muhriz Trophy, Alto Group Pennant Hills NSW Squash Open, and the 4th HCL SRFI Indian Tour events in Chennai and Jodhpur. These victories propelled him into the world’s top 100, a major achievement for a player who had started the year ranked No. 144. By December 2022, Singh had climbed to World No. 74, a remarkable rise that demonstrated his ability to compete with the best in the world.

His success in 2022 was not confined to individual events. Singh was also an integral part of the Indian men’s team that secured its first-ever gold medal at the Asian Team Championships in Cheongju, South Korea, in November 2022. This historic victory not only highlighted his individual prowess but also underscored his ability to perform under pressure in team competitions. The win was a defining moment for Indian squash, and Singh’s contributions were crucial to the success of the team.

Singh’s triumphs continued into 2023, as he remained a consistent performer on the international circuit. One of his most significant achievements that year came in the PSA World Championship qualifiers, where he defeated England’s Ben Coleman to secure a place in the main event. This victory further solidified his position among the top players in the world. Singh was also a part of India’s four-member team in the 2023 Squash World Cup, held in Chennai. Although India was knocked out by Malaysia in the semi-finals, Singh’s performance throughout the tournament was a testament to his skill and determination.

That same year, Singh received the PSA Challenger Tour Male Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 season. This recognition was a reflection of his consistency, hard work, and the remarkable progress he had made in such a short time. His perseverance in the face of stiff competition earned him plaudits not just from his teammates but from fans and experts around the world.

However, it was Singh’s performance at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games that truly captured the imagination of squash fans and sports enthusiasts across the country. In what was one of the most nerve-wracking and thrilling matches in recent memory, Singh won the gold medal in squash, defeating Pakistan’s Noor Zaman in a gripping five-set final. The match was a true test of Singh’s mental strength, as earlier in the match, he found himself trailing 1-2 against Noor. With the gold medal slipping away from him, Singh displayed remarkable resilience and focus, turning the match around to win 11-9, 12-10 in the final two sets, even saving two match points along the way. This victory was not just about the gold medal but about the spirit and character Singh exhibited in the face of adversity. His lion-hearted efforts in the final made him a hero for 1.4 billion Indians, and his victory was a moment of national pride.

In addition to his success on the international stage, Singh has also made his mark in Indian squash. He clinched his first national title at the 78th Senior National Squash Championships, defeating his state teammate Velavan Senthilkumar in a dominant 4-set final. This victory was a significant milestone in his career, as it marked his rise as a leading player in Indian squash.

In November 2024, Singh was ranked World No. 51, a position he has earned through years of hard work and perseverance. His coaches, including notable former squash players like James Willstrop, Harinder Pal Sandhu, David Campion, and Malcolm Willstrop, have played a key role in shaping his career and helping him refine his skills. Abhay’s ability to perform under pressure, his technical proficiency, and his commitment to continuous improvement have set him apart as one of the most promising young players in the world.

Receiving the Arjuna Award in 2024 is a fitting acknowledgment of Singh’s incredible achievements in squash. It serves as a recognition of not only his athletic ability but also his dedication to the sport and his contribution to the growth of squash in India. As Singh continues to rise through the ranks and achieve greater success, his journey will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Indian athletes to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination that Singh has shown throughout his career.

For Singh, receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for squash. The recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of his commitment to representing India on the global stage. Reflecting on this honour, Singh shares how meaningful this achievement is to him and how it motivates him to strive for even greater success in the future.

“Winning the Arjuna Award is an incredibly special moment for me. It means so much to be recognised for my hard work and dedication to squash. This achievement is not just a reflection of my efforts, but also of the support I’ve received from my coaches, teammates, and family. It inspires me to continue pushing myself and aiming for even greater heights in my career,” Singh tells Media India Group.

The Arjuna Award is just the beginning of what promises to be an even brighter future for Singh. With his unwavering focus and exceptional talent, the world of squash can expect to see many more remarkable performances from this young champion.