Anahat Singh Makes History as First Indian to Win World Junior Squash Championship

Anahat Singh and Ruqayya Salem (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: India No. 1 Anahat Singh on Saturday created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women's final in Ontario on Saturday.

"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 Delhi player said.

Anahat said winning the title in her final junior appearance made the achievement even more special. "This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," Anahat added.

She also revealed that her focus before the final was to stay relaxed and enjoy the occasion. "I knew if I’m stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well… I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final," she said.

'A historic moment for Indian squash'

Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha described Anahat's victory as a milestone for the sport in the country. "It’s a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights," Poncha said.

He also recalled the vision of late SRFI patron N. Ramachandran. "(The late) Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events," Poncha continued. "We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we've had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years."