Anahat Singh scripted history on Saturday after becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. Top seed Anahat defeated Egypt's second seed Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women's singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, to clinch the biggest title of her career. The 18-year-old produced a dominant display against Salem, taking control of the contest from the opening game before sealing the victory in straight games.
The Indian youngster arrived in Canada as the tournament's top seed after an impressive rise on the junior circuit. She had reached the semifinals of the competition last year before going one better this time, capping off a memorable campaign with a composed performance in the final against
Salem. The historic triumph was followed by an emotional medal ceremony, with India's national anthem playing as Anahat stood atop the podium with the gold medal around her neck.
Anahat Singh's title ends Egypt's 15-year dominance
Besides becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, she also became the first non-Egyptian player to claim the women's title since American Amanda Sobhy in 2010, ending Egypt's remarkable 15-year reign in the tournament.
The victory carried extra significance as it came in her final year on the junior circuit. "This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," Anahat said.
The 18-year-old revealed that the tournament had been a source of frustration over the past four years after repeated quarter-final and semi-final exits. "I've been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I've always said, if anyone's asked, 'This tournament's a curse,' and I've never been able to play well in the event," she stated.
A day before the title clash, Anahat had already broken another barrier by becoming the first Indian in 21 years to reach the women's singles final of the World Junior Squash Championship. She booked her place in the summit clash after defeating Egypt's Barb Sameh in four games, setting up another meeting against an Egyptian opponent. The victory guaranteed India its best-ever finish in the women's singles event and set the stage for Anahat to complete her historic title run a day later.
