Anahat Singh Creates History as First Indian to Win World Junior Squash Championship

Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh has etched her name into the history books by becoming the first player from India to win the World Junior Squash Championship, achieving a landmark victory that has been celebrated as one of the greatest moments in the country’s sporting history. Her triumph also ended Egypt’s long-standing dominance in the prestigious tournament, marking a significant shift in the global junior squash landscape.

The 18-year-old secured the girls’ singles title at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, with a commanding straight-games victory over Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem. Displaying exceptional composure and attacking brilliance, Anahat won the final 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to capture her maiden world junior crown.

The victory represents a historic breakthrough for Indian squash, as no Indian player had previously claimed the World Junior Championship title. It also brought an end to Egypt’s remarkable run at the top of the women’s junior event, where Egyptian players had dominated the championship for well over a decade.

Anahat entered the tournament as the top seed and lived up to expectations throughout the competition. She produced consistent performances from the opening rounds, defeating a series of highly ranked opponents before delivering her finest display in the championship match. Her tactical awareness, speed around the court and precise shot-making proved decisive against one of the strongest junior fields in the world.

Her historic achievement has sparked celebrations across India, with sports officials, former athletes and fans praising the teenager for elevating Indian squash to new heights. Many believe her success signals the arrival of a new era for the sport in India and will inspire countless young athletes to pursue squash at the highest level.

Anahat has already established herself as one of India’s brightest sporting prospects through a series of impressive performances on the professional circuit. Despite her young age, she has collected multiple international titles and steadily climbed the world rankings, earning recognition as one of the sport’s fastest-rising talents.

Following her victory, Anahat described the achievement as one of the proudest moments of her career, saying the title meant everything to her after years of hard work and dedication. She also acknowledged the support of her coaches, family and teammates, crediting them for helping her reach the pinnacle of junior squash.

Her success has also renewed optimism about India’s future in squash, particularly with the sport set to feature at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Coaches and analysts believe Anahat possesses both the talent and determination to compete successfully at the senior international level and potentially challenge for major global honours in the years ahead.

The championship victory is widely regarded as a defining moment for Indian squash, demonstrating the country’s growing strength in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by a handful of nations. As Anahat Singh celebrates her historic accomplishment, she has not only fulfilled a personal dream but has also opened a new chapter for Indian squash on the international stage.

Courtesy: timesofindia