Anahat Singh creates history as first Indian World Junior Squash champion

Anahat Singh (File Pic)

Teen sensation Anahat Singh etched her name in the history books on Saturday, becoming the first Indian athlete to win the junior world squash title following a clinical 3-0 victory against Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in the girls' singles final at the World Squash Junior Championships 2026.

Entering as the top seed and India's highest-ranked player, the 18-year-old dispatched second seed Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to seal the win. In doing so, she surpassed Joshna Chinappa's silver-medal run from 2005, which had stood as India's benchmark result at the event for over twenty years.

Anahat maintained total authority in the title decider, putting the finishing touches on a flawless week where she lost just two games across six matches.

Her path to glory began with a straight-games sweep of Australian qualifier Lilly Wilson, followed by victories against Pui Yin Chloe Lo of Hong Kong China and Doyce Ye San Lee of Malaysia to reach the final eight.

She then overcame Egypt's Habiba Rizk 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9) in the quarterfinals before defeating another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) in the semifinals.

By defeating Salem in straight sets, Anahat also shattered Egypt's unbroken reign over the junior girls' title, which had been held continuously by Egyptian players since 2011.

Anahat set to chase her Olympic dream

Having ended India's 15-year podium wait at the junior world championships with a bronze medal in Cairo last year, Anahat elevated her game to grab gold this edition.

The draw also opened up for Anahat with four-time champion Amina Orfi of Egypt no longer eligible to compete in the junior event.

While Anahat mounted her title-winning run, her compatriots in the girls' draw, Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey, and Saanvi Kalanki, suffered early exits in the round of 32.

In the boys' singles draw, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan produced India's strongest outing by reaching the round of 16. Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh were eliminated in the round of 32, while Purav Rambhia exited in the round of 64.

Currently holding the world No. 20 spot on the senior PSA Tour, Anahat will aim to carry this historic momentum forward as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

(With inputs from ANI)