In 1965, Anil Nayar made history as the first Indian to achieve world champion status in squash by winning the Drysdale Cup, a pivotal moment in his nearly four-decade career filled with honors and accolades. Recognized as India's greatest squash player, his journey began in Bombay's Queen's Necklace, where his family relocated to escape post-partition tensions. As a chubby child, few anticipated his rise to world-class athlete, but living near the Cricket Club of India motivated him to overcome his insecurities and weight issues. Nayar's wife, Jean, offers an intimate portrait of his remarkable path from Bombay to prestigious Ivy League universities and international arenas. This engaging narrative, enriched by memories from players, coaches, and family, highlights Nayar's groundbreaking impact on squash and the intercultural exchange between India and America that he fostered. It also showcases his dedication to uplifting India's underprivileged children through sport. Nayar's story exemplifies how one can rise above a backdrop of division to become a bridge builder through generosity and sportsmanship, providing a refreshing counterpoint to contemporary trends of nationalism and identity-based hostility in today's world.
