Indian Teen Anahat Singh Crowned World Junior Squash Champion
In a historic achievement for Indian sports, 18-year-old Anahat Singh became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship on Saturday. Her remarkable victory came in the women’s singles final held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, where she defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games.
Anahat, who was the tournament’s top seed, showcased her exceptional skills by winning the final with scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9. This victory is particularly significant, as it marks the end of a 15-year streak in which only Egyptian players claimed the title, with the last non-Egyptian champion being American Amanda Sobhy in 2010.
This triumph is a significant milestone for Indian squash, as no Indian had previously won the championship, despite Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish back in 2005. Anahat’s journey to the final already broke a 21-year drought for Indian players in the tournament.
Throughout the week, Anahat displayed her prowess with impressive wins, including a quarter-final match against Egypt’s Habiba Rizk and a semi-final victory over another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, with a score of 3-1.
In the final, Anahat’s calm and strategic play shone through. She dominated the first game, held control in the second, and fought hard to clinch the third, showcasing her strong mental game.
Anahat’s success does not end with this championship; she has also made waves in the professional circuit, recently breaking into the world’s top 20 rankings while collecting several PSA titles. Her growing list of accolades includes medals from the Asian Games.
With this groundbreaking win, Anahat not only sets a new record for Indian squash but also positions herself as a rising star in the international squash scene. Fans are eagerly anticipating her future achievements, especially with the sport set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
