Anahat Singh Makes History with Junior World Championship Victory

Anahat Singh has etched her name in history by winning the Junior World Championship, becoming the first Indian to do so. Her victory over Egyptian star Ruqayya Salem marks a significant milestone, ending a 15-year dominance by Egyptian players. Anahat reflects on her journey, expressing joy and relief after years of near misses. As she prepares for the upcoming Asian Games, her inspiring story continues to motivate young athletes. Read on to learn more about her remarkable achievement and future aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2026, 14:13 IST

Anahat Singh's Historic Win

Anahat Singh celebrated a groundbreaking achievement by clinching the title at the Junior Squad World Championship, defeating Egyptian player Ruqayya Salem with scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9 in the final match held at the White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, on July 25, 2026. This victory marks her as the first Indian to secure this title and only the second Asian player to do so.

Expressing her joy, Anahat described the win as surreal, sharing her relief after years of near misses in the tournament. She humorously referred to the event as a 'curse' for her, having faced defeats in the semifinals and quarterfinals in previous years. "This is my last chance as a junior, and it means everything to me. I felt like I was dreaming. I knew I had to stay calm and focused to perform well," she stated during an interview with Squash TV.

Previously, Anahat had secured a bronze medal in the 2025 championship but faced early exits in the quarter-finals in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Her victory also ended Egypt's 15-year reign over the championship, making her the first non-Egyptian winner since Amanda Shobby from the USA in 2010. With this remarkable achievement, Anahat is now setting her sights on the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from October 19 to November 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.