Anahat Singh Makes History as First Indian to Win World Squash Junior Championship
Historic Victory for Anahat Singh
New Delhi, July 26: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended his congratulations to Anahat Singh, who has made history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the World Squash Junior Championship title.
Mandaviya expressed his pride on social media, stating, “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/SfURD0Zg69
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) July 25, 2026
Anahat Singh achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem with a score of 3-0 in the girls' singles final at the World Squash Junior Championships 2026, held on Saturday.
The top-seeded player from India, Anahat, showcased her skills by overcoming the second seed Salem with scores of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9, thus surpassing Joshna Chinappa's previous best performance as a runner-up in 2005, which had stood for over two decades.
The 18-year-old maintained dominance throughout the final match, concluding a stellar tournament where she lost only two games across six matches.
Her journey began with a straight-games victory against Australian qualifier Lilly Wilson, followed by wins over Hong Kong's Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia's Doyce Ye San Lee, leading her to the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinals, she triumphed over Egypt's Habiba Rizk with a score of 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9) and then defeated another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) in the semifinals.
This victory not only marked a significant milestone for Anahat but also ended Egypt's long-standing dominance in the junior girls' world championship, as Egyptian players had held the title since 2011.
Last year, Anahat ended India's 15-year drought for an individual medal at the junior world championships by winning bronze in Cairo. This time, she has taken it a step further to secure gold.
With four-time champion Amina Orfi of Egypt no longer eligible for the junior event, the path opened up for Anahat.
She was the only Indian to advance far in the girls' singles draw, while Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey, and Saanvi Kalanki were eliminated in the round of 32.
In the boys' singles, Aryaveer Dewan, the reigning Asian junior champion, was India's top performer, reaching the last 16, while Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh exited in the round of 32, and Purav Rambhia was knocked out in the round of 64.
Currently ranked No. 20 in the world on the senior PSA Tour, Anahat aims to build on her historic success as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.