Anahat Singh Reaches World Squash Junior Championships Final
Historic Achievement for Anahat Singh
File image of Anahat Singh(Photo: @WorldSquash/X)
Nigara-on-the-Lake, July 25: Anahat Singh from India has made headlines by becoming the first Indian in over two decades to reach the finals of the World Squash Junior Championships. She achieved this milestone by defeating Egypt's Barb Sameh in a thrilling semifinal match.
As the top seed, Singh is now just one victory away from claiming her first World Junior title, a feat not accomplished by an Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005. In the semifinal, she triumphed over the 3/4 seed with scores of 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, and 11-6.
Singh began the match with a strong performance, taking the first game 11-3. Although Sameh managed to equalize by winning the second game 11-8, Singh quickly regained control, winning the next two games decisively at 11-4 and 11-6. This victory not only secured her place in the final but also brought her closer to making history as the first Indian to win the World Junior title.
"I'm really happy. I faced Barb a few months ago at the British Junior Open, and it was a close match, so I knew I had to perform well today," Singh remarked after her win. "I didn't play my best yesterday, and I was determined to show my capabilities on the court today. Having lost in the quarters and semis in my previous four World Juniors, reaching the final has made my parents and coaches proud, but the tournament isn't over yet."
Standing in her way is Egypt's second seed Ruqayya Salem, who advanced to the final after defeating her compatriot Malika Elkaraksy, also seeded 3/4.
Salem, who missed last year's championships, took charge early in her match, winning the first two games 11-5 and 11-9. Although the young Elkaraksy, just 15, fought back to win the third game, Salem held her nerve and clinched the fourth game 11-9 to secure her spot in the final.
"I'm speechless right now. I've worked so hard for this moment. Not qualifying last year was tough, and I wanted to make this opportunity count. I'm thrilled to reach the final," Salem expressed emotionally.
In the men's division, Egypt's top seed Mohamad Zakaria is on track for his third World Junior title, having defeated compatriot Selfeldin Refaay in straight games to reach his fourth consecutive final.
Zakaria will compete against fellow Egyptian and second seed Adam Hawal, who advanced after Marwan Assal retired due to injury during their semifinal match. Hawal had already established a 2-0 lead before Assal had to withdraw.
Hawal expressed his disappointment for Assal, stating, "I'm gutted that Marwan couldn't continue. We were playing some great squash. He was performing well, and I had to counter his strengths. While I'm excited to progress, it's not the ideal way to win."
The finals of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships are set for Saturday, with Singh aiming to become the first Indian woman to lift the prestigious title.