Anahat Singh Wins Historic Gold at World Junior Squash Championships
Anahat Singh has etched her name in Indian sports history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships title. The 18-year-old top seed defeated Egypt's second-seeded Ruqayya Salem 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) in the girls' singles final on July 25, 2026.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the achievement on social media, posting on X: "India sets a golden landmark in Squash. Congratulations to Anahat Singh for scripting history by clinching Gold medal at the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships. By becoming the first Indian to win this prestigious title you have scripted a golden path of inspiration for budding squash players."
Dominant Run to the Title
Anahat's campaign was nothing short of dominant. She dropped only two games across six matches. In the final, she controlled the proceedings from start to finish, outclassing Salem with precise shot-making and relentless movement.
Her journey began with a straight-games victory over Australian qualifier Lilly Wilson. She then defeated Hong Kong China's Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia's Doyce Ye San Lee to reach the quarterfinals.
Overcoming Egyptian Challenge
In the quarterfinals, Anahat faced Egypt's Habiba Rizk and won 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9). She then defeated another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) in the semifinals to set up the final clash with Salem.
The victory marked the end of Egypt's decade-long dominance in the junior girls' world championship, as Egyptian players had held the title since 2011.
Breaking India's Long Wait
Anahat's gold surpasses Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish in 2005, which had been India's best performance at the junior world championships for over two decades, according to Olympics.com. Last year, Anahat ended India's 15-year wait for an individual medal at the junior worlds by winning bronze in Cairo.
The draw opened up for Anahat after four-time champion Amina Orfi of Egypt became ineligible for the junior event. Anahat was the only Indian player to advance deep into the girls' singles draw; Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey, and Saanvi Kalanki exited in the round of 32.
Boys' Singles and Future Prospects
In the boys' singles, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan was India's best performer, reaching the last 16. Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh were eliminated in the round of 32, while Purav Rambhia exited in the round of 64.
Anahat, currently ranked No. 20 in the world on the senior PSA Tour, will now aim to build on her historic achievement as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
