New Delhi: Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh scripted history at the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships, becoming the first player from India to win the prestigious global title.
The 18-year-old top seed delivered a masterclass performance in the girls’ singles final, brushing aside Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem in straight games, 11-3, 11-7, 11-9. Her victory ended a 15-year reign of Egyptian dominance in the girls’ category, marking India’s finest moment in junior squash history.
Reacting to the monumental achievement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised the young champion’s breakthrough, describing it as a historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. He expressed immense pride in Anahat Singh for securing the gold medal and noted that her record-breaking accomplishment will further popularise squash among the country’s youth.
Anahat’s campaign was marked by remarkable dominance. She dropped only two games across six matches throughout the tournament. After navigating early rounds comfortably against opponents from Australia, Hong Kong China, and Malaysia, she overcame three consecutive Egyptian players in the knockout stages to seal the title.
Before this triumph, India’s best performance at the World Junior Squash Championship was a runner-up finish by Joshna Chinappa in 2005. Anahat, who secured a bronze medal at the 2025 edition in Cairo, went one step further in her final year on the junior circuit to claim gold.
Currently holding a world ranking of 20 on the senior PSA Tour, Anahat’s historic title cements her status as one of the brightest young stars in global squash as the sport prepares for its upcoming Olympic debut.