New Delhi [India], While the focus is on preparations for the Paris Olympic Games 2024, the Sports Ministry's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has also set its sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and has roped in three budding squash players . The development group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) included it in the 2028 Olympic program in October last year, as squash has become popular in the country with success in the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Over the years, the likes of Saurav Ghoshal, Deepika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa have kept the flame burning for India and are now passing the baton to the next generation of players like Anahat Singh, Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar, who were included in the Topps Development Group. Cyrus Poncha, General Secretary, Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) said, “The inclusion of squash in the TOP program is a significant moment for the sport in India. Beyond the immediate benefits such as increased participation and enhanced training opportunities, this recognition provides a broader support Is a symbol of.With Squash being an important sporting discipline in the country, he further explained how the move helps in strengthening international exposure and said, “The inclusion of Squash in the TOPS opens the doors to international exposure and collaboration, leading to major Exchange programs and partnerships with Squash countries are promoted. Bound to raise the overall standard of squash in India, at the age of 16, Anahat is already a national champion, having won over 46 titles in the national circuit so far. On the international front too, she has started to make waves as the reigning Asian U17 champion and winner of 2 Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour titles. He also has two Asian Games medals. “I am honored that SAI and SRFI considered me for TOPS and I believe that I will be a great support in improving my game and getting ready for international competition.I am sure when other Indian squash players hear about this, they will be encouraged to learn squash professionally because they will know that the government is supporting them if they perform well and represent India Anahat said, according to a release, adding that now that squash has become a part of the Olympics, more junior players have started coming forward and participating in major events. “I am sure more players both in India and abroad will now participate.” Squash. In fact, I think more junior players have already started coming forward to major international tournaments in preparation for the inclusion of squash in the LA Olympics.The numbers have increased, and the competition is now huge. Every country is doing this now. Making a lot of efforts, and I am very happy that India is making efforts in that direction. Everyone is working hard to get the first Olympic medal (in squash) at LA 2028,” said Anaha. Abhay Singh and Velavan Senthilkumar included in TOPS A 25, Abhay the current National Games gold medalist And is a silver medalist of the National Championship.He has won 9 PSA World Tour titles and was part of the India men's team that won gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023 when asked how he feels about being one of the first few players to be included in TOPS , he said, "I am very honored to join TOPS, I have been working hard and raising funding to climb up the PSA rankings." All my expenses are on traveling abroad and training under some of the best coaches. I am glad that TOP will take care of me now, and I really hope that we can continue to deliver results on the World Tour, especially in the 2026 Asian Games and then the Olympics. Asked whether squash becoming a part of the Olympics would increase more people's interest in the sport, Abhay said, "I hope so, squash needs more eyes and more players and it is the responsibility of senior players like me That they promote the game with sincerity. Squash obviously became very popular after our victory in the Asian Games and it is definitely increasing looking at the junior participants every year in SRFI events. It's an exciting time for.The third name to be added to the TOPS list is that of Velavan Senthilkumar. He has seen tremendous growth on the international circuit over the past year and a half, starting 2023 outside the top 200 in the PSA World Two rankings and now achieving a career-high ranking of 55th. He has won 8 PSAs. Having finished runner-up at the World Tour title and the Asian Senior Championships in 2023, with the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games just two years away, Velavan hopes to become the highest-ranked Indian player at the Games and win the coveted trophy in both the events.