The 18-year-old defeats Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games to end the country’s 16-year dominance and clinch India’s first-ever junior squash crown
New Delhi: India’s Anahat Singh scripted history by becoming the country’s first-ever World Junior Squash Champion after defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls’ singles final of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
The top seed and 18-year-old squash prodigy defeated the second-seeded Egyptian 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to clinch the title. The victory ended Egypt’s remarkable 16-year reign in the girls’ singles event, with Anahat winning the championship without dropping a single game throughout the tournament.
Currently ranked World No. 20 on the senior PSA Tour, Anahat has added another milestone to her growing career and will now look ahead to squash’s Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Congratulating the champion, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described the victory as a “phenomenal achievement” and a proud moment for India. Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Hardeep Singh Puri and Raksha Khadse also hailed Anahat’s historic triumph, saying it reflects India’s rising stature in global sport and will inspire young athletes across the country.
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