03 August,2026 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anahat Singh (File Pic)
Fresh from becoming the first Indian player to win the World Junior Squash Championships title, 17-year-old Anahat Singh has brushed off claims that Egyptian players possess a mental advantage over rivals.
Addressing the media upon her return on Sunday, Anahat highlighted her long-standing experience facing Egyptian competitors across various age groups.
"I've grown up playing Egyptians since I started playing the sport. It doesn't really affect me when I go on court. It's just like playing another opponent, no matter what the nationality is," Anahat told PTI.
The historic victory felt rewarding for Anahat, following a string of close finishes in previous editions of the tournament.
"This tournament hasn't always been the best for me for the last four years. I've always come really close but failed to overcome it. So I'm really glad that I was able to do it this year," she said.
Anahat also expressed pride in matching the landmark performance of former India No. 1 Joshna Chinappa, who previously held the nation's best individual result at the junior world level.
"I've grown up watching Joshna play and have really been inspired by her. So getting to do it after her is something that I'm really happy about," she said.
Transitioning out of the junior category, Anahat is now focused towards international tournaments for India.
"I'll go back and speak to my coaches. I'm not a junior anymore, so it's about playing more senior events, gaining experience, travelling around the world and playing the top players. I have two PSA events before the Asian Games, so I'm focusing on that. The Asian Games have been in the picture since the last one ended, so it's about building towards that. It's exciting," she said.
Meanwhile, India's boys' team, featuring Aryaveer Dewan, Gurveer Singh, Dev Sharma, and Yuvraj Wadhwani, captured a second consecutive bronze medal in the team event following a 0-2 semifinal defeat against the United States.
"It feels amazing. Getting the bronze medal in the World Junior Championship is not a small thing, but we are definitely hoping for more next year, and we will give our best," Aryaveer told PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
