Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh has scripted history by becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in straight games 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women's singles final on Saturday at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, ending India's long wait for a junior world title in squash.
The victory marks one of the greatest achievements in Indian squash history. It is the first time an Indian player has lifted the prestigious World Junior Squash Championships singles trophy, surpassing the previous best performance by Joshna Chinappa, who finished runner-up in 2005.
Historic Victory for Indian Squash
Anahat entered the tournament as the top seed and lived up to expectations with an outstanding campaign. Throughout the championship, she displayed exceptional consistency, tactical discipline and composure under pressure, proving why she is regarded as one of the brightest young players in world squash.
The final against second seed Ruqayya Salem was expected to be a closely contested battle, but Anahat took control from the very beginning.
She dominated the opening game 11-3 with aggressive attacking play and precise shot placement. Salem attempted to respond in the second game, but the Indian maintained her rhythm to win 11-7. The third game proved more competitive as the Egyptian fought hard to extend the match, yet Anahat remained calm during the crucial points and sealed the game 11-9 to complete a straight-games victory.
Outstanding Tournament Performance
Anahat's triumph was built on a series of commanding performances throughout the tournament. She advanced through the draw with remarkable authority, dropping only two games across six matches before lifting the championship trophy.
In the semi-finals, she defeated Egypt's Barb Sameh 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 to become the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the World Junior Championship final.
Her ability to recover after losing a game in the semi-final highlighted her maturity and mental strength, qualities that were once again evident in the championship match.
Breaking Egypt's Dominance
For more than a decade, Egypt had dominated the women's World Junior Squash Championships, producing several champions and establishing itself as the leading nation in junior squash.
Anahat's victory ended Egypt's 13-year winning streak in the women's event, making her the first non-Egyptian champion since Amanda Sobhy of the United States won the title in 2010. The result is being viewed as a significant shift in international junior squash.
India's Best-Ever Achievement
Indian squash has produced several internationally successful players over the years, including Saurav Ghosal, Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa. However, a World Junior singles title had remained elusive.
Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish in 2005 stood as India's best result for more than two decades. Anahat has now gone one step further by winning the championship and establishing a new benchmark for Indian squash.
Rapid Rise of Anahat Singh
Born in New Delhi, Anahat Singh has enjoyed a remarkable rise in international squash over the past few years. She has collected multiple junior and senior international titles, represented India at major global events and steadily climbed the Professional Squash Association rankings.
Before this tournament, she had already earned a bronze medal at the previous World Junior Championships. Winning the 2026 title represents the biggest achievement of her young career so far and confirms her status as one of the sport's leading emerging talents.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
The historic victory is expected to provide a major boost to squash in India. Success at the World Junior Championships has often been an indicator of future excellence at the senior level, and many former champions have gone on to become world champions and top-ranked professionals.
Anahat's achievement is likely to inspire young Indian athletes to pursue squash and strengthen India's presence in international competitions in the years ahead. Her performance also reflects the steady growth of the sport in the country through improved coaching, international exposure and competitive opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With the World Junior title now secured, attention will gradually shift towards Anahat's transition into elite senior competition. Given her recent performances against some of the world's strongest junior players, expectations will be high as she competes regularly on the professional circuit.
For Indian sport, however, this victory will be remembered as a landmark moment. By becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, Anahat Singh has not only fulfilled a personal dream but also created a lasting legacy for Indian squash.