Anahat Singh becomes first Indian to win World Junior Squash Championship
Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship in New Delhi. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in straight sets to secure the title in her final year of junior competition.
Why it matters
This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian squash, validating years of investment in the sport's development programs.
Anahat Singh on Saturday (July 25, 2026) became the first Indian to be crowned world junior squash champion after beating Ruqayya Salem of Egypt in the summit clash here.
World No. 20 and top seed Anahat defeated Ruqayya 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9 in the women’s final of the World Squash Junior Individual Championships in New Delhi.
Anahat won a bronze medal last year after reaching the semifinals. She said that winning the World Junior Squash Championship means “the world to her”.
“It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” 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.
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