Meet Anika Dubey, 15YO Squash Star To Represent India In World Championships

Anika Dubey, popularly known as the 'Golden Girl of Pune,' has earned a coveted spot on India’s Under-19 Girls' Team for the upcoming World Junior Squash Championships, set to take place in Cairo this July. The 15-year-old clinched victory at the national selection trials, making her the youngest player from Maharashtra to qualify for the Under-19 Girls' Team. Currently ranked as India’s official No. 2 in the Under-19 girls’ division, her passion and consistency have made her a name to watch.

Recently, Anika clinched a gold medal at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. Representing her home state, she, along with Anjali Semwal, Sunita Patel, and Akanksha Gupta, competed as part of Team Maharashtra. Her coach and mentor, Abhinav Sinha, shared his thoughts on her journey, stating:

“Anika's resilience and drive have always been significant, but what's unique is how she takes on every challenge while maintaining her love for the game. It has been encouraging to see her develop from an inquisitive novice to an athlete competing on a global scale — and she’s only just getting started.”

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Who Is Anika Dubey?

Anika Dubey is one of the few professional squash players emerging from Pune. As inspiring as her rise is, the journey has never been an easy one. She would often travel to Mumbai for her training, spending her weekends at the renowned Khar Gymkhana — a commitment that speaks volumes of her dedication to the sport.

“To play for India is a dream come true,” Anika said in a 2024 interview with the Free Press Journal. “It’s an honour to represent my country and showcase the hard work I’ve put in over the years.”

A three-time National Champion, Anika is a member of the Kanga Kids Program by Chance2Sports. Backed by the unwavering support of her parents, coach, and fellow squash players, she is now all set to represent India on the world stage in Egypt this July.