India Creates Squash History: Anahat Singh Becomes First Indian to Win World Junior Women’s Title
By Anil P. Kastuar | Editor, IBG NEWS
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada | July 26, 2026
Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh has etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Indian woman to win the World Junior Squash Championships. The 18-year-old achieved the remarkable feat after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games in the girls’ singles final held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
The tournament’s top seed, Anahat, produced a commanding performance to overcome the second-seeded Egyptian 11-3, 11-7, 11-9, securing the championship without dropping a game in the final. Her victory also brought an end to Egypt’s remarkable 13-year dominance in the girls’ singles event, where Egyptian players had claimed every title since 2011.
A Historic Achievement for Indian Squash
Anahat’s triumph marks India’s finest-ever performance at the World Junior Squash Championships. She surpassed the country’s previous best result set by Joshna Chinappa, who finished as runner-up in 2005.
Throughout the championship, the Indian prodigy displayed exceptional consistency and composure. She dropped only two games across six matches, highlighting her dominance on the court.
Her journey to the title began with convincing straight-game victories over Australia’s Lilly Wilson, Hong Kong China’s Pui Yin Chloe Lo, and Malaysia’s Doyce Ye San Lee.
In the knockout rounds, Anahat faced a series of formidable Egyptian opponents. She defeated Habiba Rizk in the quarter-finals and Barb Sameh in the semi-finals before overcoming Ruqayya Salem in the championship match to lift the coveted trophy.
Ending Egypt’s Era of Supremacy
The victory carries even greater significance as it ended one of the longest winning streaks in junior squash history. Egyptian players had dominated the girls’ singles competition for 13 consecutive editions, making Anahat the first non-Egyptian champion since Amanda Sobhy of the United States won the title in 2010.
From Bronze to Gold
Anahat’s success is the culmination of steady progress on the international stage. In 2025, she ended India’s 15-year wait for an individual medal at the World Junior Championships by securing a bronze medal. Just a year later, she has gone a step further by capturing the sport’s most prestigious junior crown.
Already ranked among the world’s leading senior players on the PSA Tour, Anahat’s latest achievement is expected to further strengthen India’s position in international squash.
A Victory Beyond Medals
Anahat Singh’s historic title reflects the growing strength of Indian squash and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country. Her disciplined preparation, technical excellence, and mental resilience have demonstrated that Indian players are capable of competing with—and defeating—the world’s traditional powerhouses.
Squash remains one of the most demanding sports, requiring exceptional stamina, agility, reflexes, endurance, and strategic thinking. Anahat’s remarkable success is likely to encourage greater participation in the sport and inspire the next generation of Indian champions.
I, too, was a player and played football in Tata Nagar under the supervision of Legends like Shri Chunni Goswami, and can understand how difficult to perform at the highest level.
Congratulations to Anahat Singh on this landmark achievement that has brought immense pride to India and marked a new chapter in the nation’s sporting history. IBG NEWS team is proud of young stars like you, who bring glory for the family and nation.
