Anahat Singh scripts history: Becomes first Indian ever to win World Squash Junior Championship
Indian squash player Anahat Singh made history on Saturday by winning the World Junior Squash Championship title. The 18-year-old Anahat became the first Indian woman to clinch the title at this prestigious tournament.
In the final match held on Saturday in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, Anahat defeated Egypt's Rokaia Salem in straight games—11-3, 11-7, 11-9—to secure the gold medal.
Anahat's victory is considered historic because, for the past 16 years, the championship title had been held exclusively by Egyptian players. She ended this long-standing Egyptian dominance by claiming the title without dropping a single game throughout the tournament leading up to the final.
Anahat had also delivered a stellar performance prior to the final. She defeated Egypt's Habiba Rizk 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9) in the semi-finals.
Earlier, she had secured a spot in the final four by defeating Barb Sameh 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) in the quarter-finals. Defeating three consecutive Egyptian players in a competitive sport like squash is considered a major achievement.
Anahat achieved another significant milestone in this tournament: she became the first Indian player in 21 years to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championship. Prior to this, Joshna Chinappa had reached the final of this competition representing India in 2005.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya greeted Abahat. He wrote on X: 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.