Anika Dubey, a 15-year-old squash prodigy from Pune, is making waves in the Indian squash scene. Her recent qualification for the World Junior Squash Championships 2025 in Cairo marks a significant milestone, not only for her but also for the sport in her city and the nation. Anika's journey underscores the potent combination of unwavering dedication, strategic training, and sacrifices made by her parents, all essential ingredients in nurturing a young athlete's potential.
The clarity of Anika's goals has been a driving force. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in squash, initially playing for fun at a nearby court. Recognizing her potential, Anika began participating in tournaments at the age of eight or nine, setting the stage for more intensive training. According to a recent YouTube interview, a turning point came when she started training with coach Abhinav Sinha at the age of 12. This partnership provided her with the focused guidance and support needed to compete at higher levels. Anika's consistent focus on her goals has enabled her to become India's official No. 2 in the Under-19 girls' division.
Training is where Anika's dedication truly shines. Despite Pune lacking adequate squash infrastructure, Anika has relentlessly pursued her passion. This meant frequent weekend travel to Mumbai's renowned Khar Gymkhana to train with better players and coaches, as highlighted by multiple sources. Speaking about the challenges she faced during her journey, Anika mentioned that coaching and finding players to practice with were significant hurdles, but that she was able to overcome it by traveling to Bombay to train with Abhinav Sinha and other players. This arduous commute demonstrates her commitment and the importance of accessible, high-quality training for aspiring athletes. Her coach, Abhinav Sinha, emphasized that Anika's ability to embrace challenges without losing her love for the game is what sets her apart.
Parents play a crucial role in Anika's success story. The sacrifices made by her parents to support her dreams cannot be overstated. They have invested considerable time and resources to ensure Anika receives the best possible coaching and exposure. This includes managing her travel between Pune and Mumbai, providing moral support, and fostering an environment that encourages her athletic pursuits. Anika acknowledges the unwavering support of her parents as a key factor in her achievements, recognizing their role in helping her balance school, training, and travel.
Anika's journey has been further supported by programs like Chance2Sports and the Kanga Kids system, which provide mentorship and opportunities for growth. These initiatives connect young athletes with experienced coaches and resources, helping them realize their full potential. Abhinav Sinha noted that enrolling Anika in the Chance2Sports program connected her to the Kanga Kids system, which allowed her to grow.
As Anika prepares for the World Junior Squash Championships in Cairo, she carries the hopes and dreams of a city and a generation. She is focusing on refining her game sense, improving her fitness, and preparing for the high level of competition she will face on the world stage. According to her coach, Anika is physically and mentally strong, and she has a good track record against elder players in India. This will be her first time playing in the World Junior Championships, and it will be an exposure for her. Anika's story is a testament to the power of clarity, training, and parental support in shaping a young athlete's journey to success.
