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Anahat Singh made history after becoming India's first squash player to secure the junior world title crown at the World Squads Junior Championships 2026 on Saturday. The top-seeded Indian squash player defeated Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls' singles final in Ontario.
The 18-year-old squash player's victory over Salem in the summit clash ended Egypt's prolonged dominance in the junior girls' world championship. The Egyptian squash players have held the title since 2011, and Anahat's triumph marked a landmark moment for India in squash history.
Anahat kicked off her campaign with wins in straight games over Australia's Lilly Wilson and Hong Kong's Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia's Doyce Ye San Lee to reach the quarterfinals. She went on to defeat Habiba Rizk of Egypt 301 in the quarters and then defeated Barb Sameh 3-1 in the semis.
In the final, 18-year-old Anahat maintained her dominance over Salem to secure the historic title, surpassing India's best-ever finish when Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish in 2005.
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Anahat had ended India's 15-year wait for an individual medal at the junior world championships last year, winning bronze in Cairo. This time, she went one step further to secure the gold.
After making history, Anahat exclaimed that winning the title and making history meant the world to her and having won the gold in her final year as a junior made it extra special.
"It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming. 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.
Also Read | Gymnast Protistha Samanta qualifies for Commonwealth Games women's vault final
"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," the 18-year-old girl said after the game.
After securing a historic win at the junior level, Anahat now aims to nurture her game as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
With agency inputs
The 18-year-old squash player's victory over Salem in the summit clash ended Egypt's prolonged dominance in the junior girls' world championship. The Egyptian squash players have held the title since 2011, and Anahat's triumph marked a landmark moment for India in squash history.
Anahat Singh Puts India on World Junior Squash Map
Anahat kicked off her campaign with wins in straight games over Australia's Lilly Wilson and Hong Kong's Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia's Doyce Ye San Lee to reach the quarterfinals. She went on to defeat Habiba Rizk of Egypt 301 in the quarters and then defeated Barb Sameh 3-1 in the semis.
History Made! 🇮🇳
Congratulations to Anahat Singh (@Anahat_Singh13) on becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Squash Junior Championship.
A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for every Indian. pic.twitter.com/SfURD0Zg69
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 25, 2026
In the final, 18-year-old Anahat maintained her dominance over Salem to secure the historic title, surpassing India's best-ever finish when Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish in 2005.
Also Read | Boxer Siwach and lawn bowls women's pair shines for India on day 3 of Commonwealth Games
Anahat had ended India's 15-year wait for an individual medal at the junior world championships last year, winning bronze in Cairo. This time, she went one step further to secure the gold.
Anahat reacts after historic victory
After making history, Anahat exclaimed that winning the title and making history meant the world to her and having won the gold in her final year as a junior made it extra special.
"It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming. 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.
Also Read | Gymnast Protistha Samanta qualifies for Commonwealth Games women's vault final
"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," the 18-year-old girl said after the game.
After securing a historic win at the junior level, Anahat now aims to nurture her game as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
With agency inputs
