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Anahat Singh scripts history, becomes world junior squash champion
Anahat Singh becomes world junior squash champion.
Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh etched her name into the history books on Saturday by becoming the country's first-ever World Junior Squash champion, producing a dominant display to lift the women's singles title. World No. 20 Anahat outclassed Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in the championship match, securing a commanding 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 victory to clinch the crown.
The triumph marks a significant milestone for Indian squash, with the 18-year-old becoming the first player from the country to win the prestigious junior world title.
Anahat's latest achievement also reflects her remarkable progress over the past year. At the previous edition of the tournament, she reached the semifinals before settling for a bronze medal. This time, she went a step further, delivering a flawless campaign to stand atop the podium.
Her title-winning performance further strengthens her reputation as one of India's brightest sporting talents and reinforces the nation's growing presence on the global squash stage.
India's Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports also congratulated Anahat for her remarkable victory. Taking to X, he wrote, “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.”
All about Anahat
Anahat Singh justified her status as the tournament's top seed with an outstanding campaign, producing a series of dominant performances to capture the World Junior Squash Championship. The Indian star began the knockout stage by defeating Egypt's Habiba Rizk in the quarter-finals before overcoming another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, in a hard-fought 3-1 semi-final victory.
The win also made her the first Indian to reach the women's final since Joshna Chinappa. In the title clash, Anahat delivered a composed and clinical performance against Ruqayya Salem. She stormed through the opening game 11-3, maintained control to claim the second 11-7, and held off a late challenge in the third to seal an 11-9 victory.
The championship crowns a remarkable year for the young Indian, who has rapidly established herself among the world's leading squash players. After breaking into the top 20 of the world rankings and winning multiple Professional Squash Association (PSA) titles, Anahat has continued to build an impressive résumé that already features medals at the Asian Games and several notable performances on the senior circuit.
Her latest success further cements her reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in international squash and strengthens expectations ahead of the sport's Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
