Anahat Singh scripts history by becoming first Indian to win title
New Delhi, July 26: The newly-crowned World Junior Squash champion Anahat Singh said the title triumph meant “the world” to her that she still feels to be in a “dream.” India No. 1 Anahat became the first Indian to bag the coveted title, beating Ruqayya Salem from Egypt 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario on Saturday.
“It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” the world No. 20 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 18-year-old Delhi girl said.
The triumph is even more special as this was her last year on the junior circuit.
“This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world,” Anahat added.
Anahat said she wanted to enjoy the experience of playing in the tournament’s final. “I knew if I’m stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines wellâ?¦ I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to congratulate the young star.
“A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship,” Modi wrote.
“Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the Gold Medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth,” he added.
Cyrus Poncha, the secretary-general of the Squash Rackets Federation of India said Anahat’s victory was a ‘historic moment’ for the sport in the country.
“It’s a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” Poncha said.
“(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,” Mr 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.” (PTI)
