At just 18, Anahat Singh clinched the World Junior Squash Championship, becoming the first Indian and first non‑Egyptian woman since 2010 to do so. While already a top‑20 senior player, she finally ticked off the one junior goal that had eluded her for years.

Key Takeaways

  • Anahat Singh becomes India's first female World Junior squash champion
  • First non‑Egyptian woman to win the title since 2010
  • She overcame years of near‑misses to finish her junior career on a high note

Ending a Years‑Long Quest for the Junior Crown

Anahat Singh, the 18‑year‑old prodigy, now sits atop the World Junior Squash podium – a historic first for India and a breakthrough for any non‑Egyptian player since 2010. She is currently soaking in the moment by Niagara Falls, but team events keep her celebrations on hold.

For four consecutive years she hovered just shy of a medal – three quarter‑final exits and a bronze‑medal semi‑final the previous year. Meanwhile, she cracked the senior PSA top‑20, amassed 16 PSA titles and earned an Asian Games medal. Yet the junior crown remained the missing piece.

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“It’s still the World Juniors,” Anahat told HT via Zoom from Ontario, Canada, two days after beating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the final. “I’ve been a junior for five years now, even while playing seniors. I kept losing when I got close. I wanted to break that pattern and finish my junior career satisfied.”

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Singh’s triumph not only reshapes India’s squash narrative but also signals a shift in the Asia‑Pacific women’s squash hierarchy, traditionally dominated by Egypt. Her win provides a confidence boost for upcoming Indian talent on the global stage.

“Anahat’s mental resilience, combined with strategic coaching, set a new benchmark for junior athletes transitioning to senior success.”

Mentor Saurav Ghosal played a pivotal role, urging her to “play freely, ignore the outcome, and focus on beating every opponent.” In the final, Anahat claimed she was only about 10 % stressed, describing the match as “pure enjoyment.”

Did You Know?: Anahat Singh won a gold medal in women’s squash at the 2024 Asian Games, delivering India’s first squash gold ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will Anahat continue to compete on the senior circuit?
A: She plans to balance both junior and senior events for now, but the junior title gives her a sense of closure.

Q2: How will this victory impact squash development in India?
A: The historic win is expected to attract greater funding, infrastructure upgrades, and inspire a new generation of Indian squash players.