Winning World Junior Squash means everything to me: Anahat Singh
India No.1 Anahat Singh said winning the World Junior Squash Championship “means the world” after becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title at the tournament in Ontario, Canada.
The world number 20 defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11:3, 11:7 and 11:9 in the women’s singles final on Saturday. to end India’s long wait for an individual junior world champion.
“It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Anahat said after lifting the trophy.
The 18-year-old revealed that the tournament has been a source of frustration over the past four years after repeated quarter-final and semi-final exits.
“The last four years I’ve lost in the semi-finals and quarter-finals. I’ve always said if anyone asked, ‘This tournament is a curse’ and I’ve never been able to play well in it,” she said.
The triumph was of particular significance as it came in her final year on the junior circuit.
“This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world,” added Anahat.
The teenager from Delhi said she tried not to let the occasion overwhelm her.
“I knew that when I’m stressed, I play terrible, so I just went out on the court and hit my lines well. I wanted to enjoy every moment to get to the World Championship final,” she said.
Anahat, the tournament’s top seed, dominated the final against Salem to wrap up the title in straight games.
Her victory was hailed by Squash Rackets Federation of India General Secretary Cyrus Poncha who called it a landmark for Indian squash.
“It is 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, who had long dreamed of an Indian becoming an individual world champion.
“Mr N Ramachandran, patron of SRFI and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, has always said that his dream was for India to produce world champions in individual competitions.
“We achieved that in doubles, but to repeat that success in singles, it’s really a dream come true. Anahat obviously put in a lot of hard work and effort, but we’ve got the whole nation behind her and her success over the last few years.”
Anahat’s triumph is the biggest achievement of her junior career and marks the end of a successful stint on the junior circuit before she fully focuses on senior competition.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
26 Jul 2026 11:35 IST