Anahat Singh Secures Historic First World Junior Title for Indian Squash
18-year-old Anahat Singh defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in straight sets to become India's first-ever world junior squash champion. The top-seeded Delhi player ended a long trophy drought in her final year on the junior circuit.
A Breakthrough Performance in New Delhi
Indian squash reached a landmark milestone on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as 18-year-old Anahat Singh secured the women’s final at the World Squash Junior Individual Championships. Competing in her home city of New Delhi, the world No. 20 and top seed dismantled Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem with a clinical 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 victory. The win marks the first time an Indian athlete has claimed the top spot in this global individual competition.
Overcoming the 'Curse' of the Junior Circuit
For Singh, the path to the gold medal involved overcoming significant psychological hurdles after years of near-misses. Despite a bronze medal last year and multiple quarterfinals and semifinals appearances over the previous four seasons, the championship had remained elusive. Addressing the media after her win on July 26, Singh reflected on the pressure she felt.
- Strategic Focus: Singh emphasized hitting her lines and managing stress to avoid her past mistakes on the court.
- Final Opportunity: As 2026 marks her final year of eligibility for junior competition, this tournament represented her last chance to secure the title.
- Emotional Victory: Singh described the experience as dreamlike, admitting she previously viewed the tournament as a "curse" due to her inability to peak at the right time.
National Impact and Institutional Recognition
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) highlighted the significance of the achievement for the nation's sports development. Secretary-general Cyrus Poncha noted that while India had seen success in doubles formats, an individual singles world championship was a long-held vision of the late SRFI patron Mr. N. Ramachandran.
Poncha characterized the win as a "historic moment" for the sport domestically, noting the collective national support that bolstered Singh's preparation. The victory validates years of investment at the Indian Squash Academy and positions Singh as a major contender as she transitions fully into senior professional competition.
Source: The Hindu — Sport
