Mumbai, Nov 11 (NationPress) Exciting times await the sport of squash, as it is on the verge of achieving remarkable global recognition with its Olympic debut scheduled for Los Angeles in 2028. As squash gears up for a golden era, numerous young talents are optimistic about capitalizing on the opportunities that will arise leading up to LA28 and beyond.

Among them is Anika Dubey, Maharashtra's Junior National Squash Champion, who is eager to surf the anticipated wave of success in squash and establish her presence on the international scene.

The 17-year-old recently clinched the Under-19 title at the Sub-junior and Junior National Squash Championship held at the Indian Squash Academy in Chennai. Having advanced to a higher category, the Pune-based player is determined to shine on the global platform, leveraging her experience of competing against older opponents. Winning the junior national title opens doors for her to participate in the Asian and World Junior Championships, which she aspires to use as stepping stones toward her ultimate goal of securing medals at the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics.

Although this target lies a few years ahead, Anika is currently mapping out her strategy for the upcoming two seasons with her coach, Abhinav Sinha, based in Mumbai.

"Transitioning from the Under-17 to the Under-19 category this year has been an exciting challenge. Competing against older players has been both enjoyable and rewarding," Anika shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.

To excel at the under-19 level and in junior competitions on both Asian and global stages, Anika has committed to additional training to enhance her fitness and is also cultivating mental resilience through yoga and meditation.

"I have been undergoing extra training in Bombay and Pune with my coach," stated the young athlete who discovered squash at the age of six while watching games at a nearby court.

"Initially, it was merely a hobby, but now I aspire to play squash professionally, particularly representing India at the Olympics and other significant events, focusing on the women's category," Anika emphasized, drawing inspiration from Indian legends Joshna Chinappa and Saurav Ghosal.

Not only Anika and her coach but also her parents have made sacrifices to support her dream. Her mother has resigned from her job to accompany Anika on her journey.

Anika believes there is ample opportunity for young squash players, especially with the sport's impending leap at the Olympics.

"The increasing number of squash courts across the country and the influx of international players for major tournaments are creating more exposure. In the upcoming season, I aim to focus on international competitions, particularly the World Juniors and Asian Juniors, while also participating in PSA events," Anika detailed regarding her future plans.

By the conclusion of the next season, her goal is to rank among the top five in the women's category and improve her standing in the international women's circuit.

Coach Sinha is providing Anika with comprehensive support, incorporating physical training, mental coaching, nutrition, and yoga into her regimen. Participation in international camps further enriches her experience.

"Anika has shown significant improvement lately. We have introduced various training programs focusing on fitness and on-court techniques, all of which have positively impacted her performance over the past few months," Coach Sinha remarked.

With clear targets ahead, Anika is now preparing for the international arena, determined to take concrete steps toward achieving her dream of winning medals for India.