Kolkata: India’s Anahat Singh scripted history by becoming the country’s first squash player to win the junior world title after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls’ singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 on Saturday. The top-seeded Anahat, India’s No. 1 player, overcame second seed Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to claim the historic title and surpass Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish in 2005, which had remained India’s best performance at the Junior World Championships for more than two decades.
The 18-year-old was in complete control throughout the final and capped a dominant campaign in which she dropped just two games across six matches.
Anahat began her campaign with a straight-games win over Australian qualifier Lilly Wilson before defeating Hong Kong China’s Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia’s Doyce Ye San Lee to reach the quarterfinals.
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.
The victory over Salem in the final also brought an end to Egypt’s dominance in the junior girls’ world championship, with Egyptian players having held the title since 2011.
Anahat had ended India’s 15-year wait for an individual medal at the Junior World Championships last year, winning bronze in Cairo. This time, she went one step further to secure the gold.
The draw also opened up for Anahat, with four-time champion Amina Orfi of Egypt no longer eligible to compete in the junior event.
Anahat was the only Indian player to progress deep into the girls’ singles draw. Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey and Saanvi Kalanki were eliminated in the round of 32.
In the boys’ singles, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan was India’s best performer, reaching the last 16. Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh exited in the round of 32, while Purav Rambhia was knocked out in the round of 64.
Anahat, currently ranked No. 20 in the world on the senior PSA Tour, will now look to build on her historic achievement as squash prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
What it means to Anahat Singh?
“It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Anahat said after her title win.
“I’ve been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I’ve always said, if anyone’s asked, ‘This tournament’s a curse,’ and I’ve never been able to play well in the event,” the Delhi player said.
Anahat said winning the title in her final junior appearance made the achievement even more special.
“This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world,” Anahat added.
She also revealed that her focus before the final was to stay relaxed and enjoy the occasion.
“I knew if I’m stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well… I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final,” she said.
Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha described Anahat’s victory as a milestone for the sport in the country.
“It’s a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” Poncha said.
He also recalled the vision of late SRFI patron N. Ramachandran.
“(The late) Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events,” Poncha continued.
“We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we’ve had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years.”
