Anahat Singh creates history, becomes first Indian to win World Junior Squash title

Niagara-on-the-Lake (Canada): Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh scripted history on Sunday by becoming the country's first-ever World Junior Squash champion, defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls' singles final of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships.

The 18-year-old Delhi player produced a commanding display to beat Salem in straight games and end Egypt's 13-year dominance of the championship. Egyptian players had won every girls' singles title since 2011, making Anahat the first non-Egyptian champion since American Amanda Sobhy lifted the trophy in 2010.

Anahat had earlier become the first Indian to reach the World Junior Championships final since 2005 after defeating Egypt's Barb Sameh 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in the semi-finals.

The triumph marks the biggest achievement of Anahat's burgeoning career, which already includes a gold medal at the Team World Cup, a gold and bronze at the World Junior Championships (including this gold), two Asian Games bronze medals, three gold and three bronze medals at the Asian Junior Championships, and two gold and two bronze medals at the Asian Championships.

Reflecting on her breakthrough victory, Anahat admitted the tournament had been a source of frustration in previous years.

"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 said.

"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. I knew if I'm stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well... I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final," she added.

The historic feat drew congratulatory messages from across the sporting and political spectrum.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement, saying, "A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the Gold Medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth."

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote, "History Made! Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Squash Junior Championship. A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for every Indian."

Olympic medallist PV Sindhu said she had long admired Anahat's maturity and believed this was only the beginning of an illustrious career.

"I couldn't be prouder of this young champion, Anahat Singh, on winning the World Junior Squash Championships! One of my favorite memories of Anahat goes back to 2022, when I had the opportunity to speak with her through OGQ. Even at that age, what stood out wasn't just her extraordinary talent, but also the remarkable maturity, composure, and clarity with which she carried herself. It left a lasting impression on me. I know this is only the beginning. This is the first of many, many big victories to come," Sindhu posted.

Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan also congratulated the teenager, saying, "History created! Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. A phenomenal achievement that will inspire generations. Keep shining!"

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse called it "a historic milestone for Indian sports," adding that Anahat had "made the entire nation proud and inspired millions to dream big."

Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary General Cyrus Poncha described the victory as a watershed moment for Indian squash.

"It's a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights," Poncha said.

Recalling the vision of former SRFI patron N. Ramachandran, he added, "(The late) Mr. N. Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of the Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events. We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we've had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years."

Anahat's landmark triumph is expected to provide a major boost to squash in India and inspire a new generation of players to take up the sport.

Tags : Anahat Singh, Squash, World Junior Championships, Ruqayya Salem, Narendra Modi, PV Sindhu