Anahat Singh scripts history, becomes 1st Indian to win world junior squash title
Anahat Singh has become the first Indian player to win the World Junior Squash Championship after defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem. Her victory marks a significant milestone for Indian sports, ending Egypt's 13-year winning streak in the tournament.
Why it matters
This is a historic achievement for Indian squash, signaling the country's rising competitiveness in a sport historically dominated by Egypt.
India's Anahat Singh created history by becoming the country's first World Junior Squash champion after defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in the girls' singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, on Saturday.Top seed Anahat beat second seed Salem 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) to claim the title and end Egypt's long run in the tournament.The 18-year-old's victory is India's best-ever result at the junior world championships, going one step further than Joshna Chinappa, who finished runner-up in 2005.Anahat was in control throughout the tournament. She dropped only two sets across six matches on her way to the title and won her opening three matches without losing a game.The world No. 20 on the senior PSA Tour began her campaign with a 3-0 win over Australia's Lilly Wilson.
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