Indian prodigy Anahat Singh secures historic World Junior squash title

Nineteen-year-old Indian star Anahat Singh scripted history in Ontario, Canada, by winning the World Junior Squash Championships. She defeated second seed Ruqayya Salem of Egypt in straight games with a score of 11-3, 11-7, 11-9. This victory marks the first time an Indian athlete has captured a world title at any level in squash.

Breaching the Egyptian Stronghold

Anahat dominated the opening game in Ontario, leaving Salem with minimal room to mount an attack. Although the Egyptian player staged a late rally in the third game, the Delhi teenager held her composure under pressure to secure the trophy. Beyond breaking her personal streak of quarterfinal exits, Anahat shattered a sixteen-year Egyptian monopoly on this championship. No player outside Egypt had won this junior title since 2010, demonstrating the shifting balance in international squash ahead of the sport's Olympic debut at LA 2028.

Surpassing Legends Under World-Class Guidance

Twenty-one years ago, Indian legend Joshna Chinappa reached the final of this event but fell just short of the crown. Anahat has now surpassed that milestone on her fifth attempt, cementing her place at the top of the junior circuit. Already ranked twentieth globally in the senior circuit, she works closely with former world champion Gregory Gaultier and Indian veteran Saurav Ghosal. Their guidance helped her maintain strategic discipline when trailing in the decisive third game.

Chasing Future Olympic Glory

Reflecting on her breakthrough performance, Anahat admitted that previous early exits made this edition feel like her final chance to overcome a persistent curse. Her focus remained on maintaining solid hitting lines and staying grounded during tense moments. With multiple Asian Games medals already to her name, the young champion now looks toward leading India’s squad at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Games.