Seventeen‑year‑old Anahat Singh became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships, insisting that nationality has no bearing on competition. She treated Egyptian rivals like any other and celebrated India's back‑to‑back bronze in the team event.

Key Takeaways

  • Anahat Singh becomes the first Indian World Junior Squash champion.
  • She emphasizes that nationality does not affect performance.
  • India’s junior team secures a historic second consecutive bronze medal.

New Delhi – The 17‑year‑old Anahat Singh made history in Ontario, Canada, by defeating Egypt’s Amina Orfi in the final of the World Junior Squash Championships. The victory marks India’s first world junior singles crown after a long wait.

Speaking to PTI, Anahat said, "I've grown up playing Egyptians since I've started playing the sport. It doesn't really affect me when I go on court. It's just like playing another opponent, no matter what the nationality is." Her comment counters the notion that Egyptian players enjoy a psychological edge.

After several near‑misses over the past four years, Anahat expressed delight at finally clinching the title. "This tournament hasn't always been the best for me for the last four years. I've always come really close but failed to overcome it. So I'm really glad that I was able to do it this year," she said. She also highlighted her admiration for former India No. 1 Joshna Chinappa, noting that following in her footsteps adds special meaning.

Looking ahead, Anahat announced a shift in focus to senior‑level events before targeting the Asian Games. "I have two PSA events before the Asian Games, so I'm focusing on that. The Asian Games have been in the picture since the last one ended, so it's about building towards that," she explained.

India’s boys’ team – Aryaveer Dewan, Gurveer Singh, Dev Sharma and Yuvraj Wadhwani – also made headlines by earning a historic second consecutive bronze at the World Junior Squash Team Championships, underscoring the nation’s growing depth in the sport.

Historical Background

Indian squash has steadily risen over the past two decades. Trailblazers like Joshna Chinappa and Saurav Ghosal have secured multiple world‑level medals, paving the way for the next generation. Anahat’s triumph adds a new chapter, signaling stronger prospects for future Asian Games and Olympic participation.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Anahat’s triumph not only breaks a long‑standing barrier for Indian women in squash but also signals a shift in the sport’s competitive dynamics, encouraging more inclusive training programs across nations.

"Anahat's perspective challenges the myth of nationality‑based advantage, fostering a more merit‑focused mindset in international sport," said veteran coach Rajiv Singh.
Did You Know?: India’s first junior world squash medal came in 2005, yet it took until 2026 for an Indian girl to claim the singles title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What senior tournaments will Anahat compete in next?
Answer: She is slated for two PSA events before focusing on the Asian Games.

Question 2: How did the Indian boys’ team achieve back‑to‑back bronze?
Answer: Consistent training and exposure to global competition have elevated their performance.