Anahat Singh advanced to the World Junior Squash final, ending India’s 21-year wait

Indian teenage squash sensation Anahat Singh moved within touching distance of a historic achievement after becoming the first Indian woman to reach the World Junior Squash Championship final since Joshna Chinappa’s memorable run in 2005. The 18-year-old produced another composed performance in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, defeating 1eh, 13-11-Barb Sam. 11-6 in the semifinals to secure a spot in the title race.

The top seed justified her billing with a series of dominant performances throughout the tournament. Her latest victory ended India’s 21-year wait for a finalist at the prestigious event and left her one win away from becoming the country’s first-ever world junior champion. In the final, she will face Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem.

ANAHAT ONE WIN FROM A HISTORICAL LANDMARK

Standing between Anahat and the biggest title of her young career is another talented Egyptian in Ruqayya Salem. Egypt has long been a dominant force in world squash, so the summit clash is a stern test for the Indian teenager. A win would not only make Anahat the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, but also eclipse Joshn Chinappa’s runner-up finish in 2005.

She again showed her determination against Sameh. After sweeping through the opening game, Anahat was pegged back when her Egyptian opponent leveled the match by taking second. However, the Indian quickly gained control and used her sharp movement, accurate shooting and relentless attacking play to dominate the remaining two games and seal a deserved victory.

ANAHAT LOVES REACHING THE FINALS

After the match, Anahat expressed her joy at reaching her first World Junior final after failing to reach the quarter-finals and semi-finals in previous editions.

“I’m really happy. I played Barb a couple of months ago at the British Junior Open and it was a close match like this so I knew I was going to have to play really well,” Singh said.

“Yesterday I didn’t play my best and I knew I had to come out today and show what I can do on the court. I played in four junior divisions and lost in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, so to reach the finals made my parents and coaches really happy, but the tournament is not over yet.”

Anahat has experienced a meteoric rise over the past few years and has become one of the brightest young stars in world squash. Currently ranked 20th in the world on the PSA Tour, she has already won several PSA titles and won medals at major continental events despite still being in her teens. After securing a bronze medal at last year’s World Junior Championships, she returned this year determined to go all out.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

25 Jul 2026 17:51 IST