Updated: August 14, 2026
Anahat Singh has quickly become one of Indian sport’s brightest young stars. The Delhi-born squash player, who turned 18 in March 2026, recently made history as the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, ending Egypt’s long dominance in the process. Behind every breakthrough performance, every ranking climb, and every quiet determination on court stands a solid family foundation. Her parents, Gursharan Singh and Tani Vadehra, have played a central yet understated role in shaping the champion she is becoming.
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Who Are Anahat Singh’s Parents?
Anahat was born on 13 March 2008 in New Delhi to Gursharan Singh and Tani Vadehra. Her father is a practising lawyer, while her mother works as an interior designer. Both parents come from a strong sporting background themselves. They played field hockey during their school and college years — Gursharan at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, and Tani at junior levels for Delhi. The family’s roots on her father’s side trace back to Patiala, a region known for its sporting culture.
The name “Anahat” itself carries meaning. On the day she was born, Gursharan was reading the Sikh prayer Japji Sahib in the hospital. He came across the word “Anahat,” which means unstruck or unbeaten, and felt it was perfect for their daughter. That quiet moment has aged well. Anahat has lived up to the name with remarkable consistency.
A Sporting Household That Encouraged Choice
Sport was never forced in the Singh-Vadehra home. It was simply part of daily life. Anahat’s elder sister, Amira, first took up tennis before switching to squash and becoming one of India’s top under-19 players. She later moved to Harvard University, where she continued playing for the women’s team while studying.
Anahat initially followed a different path. Inspired by PV Sindhu, she started badminton at age five. She accompanied Amira to squash courts, tried the sport herself, and eventually switched fully around the age of eight. Her parents left the decision to her. “They went ahead with whatever they wanted to do, and we just followed,” Tani has said in past interviews. When coaches were hard to find in the early days, Gursharan taught himself the basics of squash so he could support his daughters’ training.
Key Family Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Father | Gursharan Singh (Lawyer, former hockey player) |
| Mother | Tani Vadehra (Interior designer, former hockey player) |
| Sister | Amira Singh (Former junior squash player, Harvard) |
| Hometown | New Delhi |
| Family Sporting Roots | Hockey, tennis, table tennis (uncle) |
| Name Origin | From Sikh prayer Japji Sahib (“unstruck/unbeaten”) |
How Her Parents Shaped Her Journey
What stands out about Anahat’s parents is their balanced approach. They travel when needed, stay in the background during major events, and focus on keeping her grounded. After early titles, including the US Junior Open, the family avoided big celebrations. Tani has spoken about letting Anahat remain a child while still giving her the structure a professional athlete needs.
Key elements of their support include:
- Allowing Anahat to choose between badminton and squash without pressure
- Balancing academics at The British School, New Delhi, with intensive training
- Stepping in practically — Gursharan learning squash basics when formal coaching was limited
- Emphasising routine, recovery, and mental calm over constant public attention
- Supporting her decision to prioritise the professional path rather than immediately following her sister to university
This steady presence has helped Anahat handle the jump from junior success to the professional circuit, where she has already broken into the world’s top 20 and collected multiple PSA titles.
Conclusion
Anahat Singh’s rise is a story of talent meeting the right environment. Gursharan Singh and Tani Vadehra have never sought the spotlight. Instead, they have provided consistency, sporting values, and the freedom for their daughter to chase excellence on her own terms. In a country where junior athletes often face intense pressure, their quiet, informed support offers a valuable model. As Anahat continues to aim higher — toward Asian Games medals, senior world rankings, and eventually the Olympic stage — her parents remain the steady foundation that first made the journey possible.