Top-seed Anahat Singh has scripted history by becoming the country’s first squash player to win the junior world title after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls’ singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
The 18-year-old Indian prodigy overcame second seed Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to win the gold medal.
This is a significant achievement, as a player from Egypt had won this title for 16 consecutive years, and Anahat broke that monopoly without dropping a game.
In the boys’ singles, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan was India’s best performer, reaching the last 16. Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh exited in the round of 32, while Purav Rambhia was knocked out in the round of 64.
Anahat, currently ranked No. 20 in the world on the senior PSA Tour, will now look to build on her historic achievement as squash prepares to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Union Ministers have congratulated Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships title. In a social media post, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya described the victory as a phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for every Indian.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said Anahat’s triumph is an inspiring moment for India’s youth and Nari Shakti. He said her outstanding performance has made the entire nation proud.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said her landmark victory on the world stage reflects India’s growing dominance in yet another sport. Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse said Anahat Singh has made the nation proud and inspired millions of young Indians to dream big.
