Anahat Singh makes history as first Indian to win World Junior Squash Championship

In a historic triumph for Indian squash, 19-year-old Anahat Singh clinched the World Junior Championship title in Ontario, Canada, on Saturday, becoming the first Indian ever to win a squash world title at any level. She defeated Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem in straight games, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9, to secure the championship.

Breaking Barriers and Ending a Streak

Anahat’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also ends a 16-year-long Egyptian dominance in the tournament. She is the first non-Egyptian player to win the title since Amanda Sobhy of the USA in 2010. This achievement also surpasses the efforts of Indian squash icon Joshna Chinappa, who reached the World Junior final in 2002 but had to settle for silver.

The Delhi-born prodigy dominated the match from the outset, cruising through the first game with a commanding 11-3 win. She maintained her momentum in the second game, winning 11-7, before facing a tough challenge in the third. Trailing 6-8, Anahat held her nerve, regaining control to close the game 11-9 and seal her victory.

A Journey of Perseverance

This win comes after years of heartbreak for Anahat at the World Junior Championships. In her previous four attempts, she failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals, with her best performance being a bronze medal finish in 2025 after losing in the semi-finals to Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy. Reflecting on her journey, Anahat told Squash TV, “This tournament has been the worst for me as I have been losing in semis and quarters every edition. I knew this was my last chance to win this tournament.”

Anahat’s determination and experience as a professional player—she turned pro at just 16 and currently holds a world ranking of 20—were evident in her performance. Coached by former world champion Gregory Gaultier and mentored by Indian squash legend Saurav Ghosal, she has already made her mark on the international stage with multiple Asian Games medals.

Eyes on the Future

Anahat’s historic victory not only cements her place in Indian squash history but also raises hopes for the sport’s future in the country. With her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Anahat is poised to lead India’s charge on the global squash stage. Her win is a testament to her resilience and a significant milestone in breaking barriers for Indian athletes in traditionally non-dominant sports.

Source: Indian Express