Anahat Singh Creates History, Becomes First Indian to Win Junior World Squash Title

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 26, 2026: India’s top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh created history by becoming the country’s first-ever Junior World Squash champion after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls’ singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 on Saturday.

The top seed outclassed second seed Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to claim the title, surpassing Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish in 2005, which had stood as India’s best performance at the tournament for over two decades.

The 18-year-old produced a dominant display throughout the championship, dropping just two games in six matches. She opened her campaign with straight-game victories over Australia’s Lilly Wilson, Hong Kong China’s Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia’s Doyce Ye San Lee before defeating Egypt’s Habiba Rizk and Barb Sameh 3-1 in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

Anahat’s triumph also ended Egypt’s 15-year dominance in the girls’ event, with Egyptian players having won every title since 2011.

Having won bronze at last year’s Junior World Championships in Cairo to end India’s 15-year medal drought, Anahat went a step further this year by clinching the historic gold medal.

She was the only Indian to make a deep run in the girls’ singles, while Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey and Saanvi Kalanki exited in the round of 32. In the boys’ competition, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan was India’s best performer, reaching the pre-quarterfinals.

Currently ranked World No. 20 on the senior PSA Tour, Anahat is now expected to be one of India’s brightest medal prospects as squash prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.