Anahat Singh World Junior Squash became one of the biggest sporting achievements for India after Anahat Singh won the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 women’s singles title on 25 July 2026. The 18-year-old Indian star created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships in any category. Playing as the tournament’s top seed, Anahat defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games during the final held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. Her remarkable victory is another sign of India’s growing success in international squash and highlights the rise of a new generation of talented athletes.

A Historic Day for Indian Squash

Anahat Singh’s victory is considered one of the biggest milestones in the history of Indian squash. For many years, Indian players came close to winning the junior world title but had never managed to lift the championship trophy.

By winning the 2026 edition, Anahat ended that long wait and became the first Indian champion in the history of the World Junior Squash Championships. Her achievement has brought pride to Indian sports and has been celebrated by players, coaches, and squash fans across the country.

The win also reflects the steady progress of Indian squash, which has produced several internationally recognised players over the past two decades.

Dominant Performance in the Final

The championship match saw Anahat Singh face Ruqayya Salem of Egypt, the tournament’s second seed.

Anahat played with confidence from the beginning and controlled the match with excellent movement, accurate shot selection, and consistent pressure. She won the final 3-0, with game scores of:

11-3
11-7
11-9

Although the third game was more competitive, Anahat remained calm during crucial points and completed a straight-games victory to secure the world title.

Her performance in the final demonstrated both technical skill and mental strength under pressure.

Outstanding Tournament Performance

Anahat’s success was not limited to the final alone. Throughout the tournament, she displayed remarkable consistency against strong international opponents.

She dropped only two games in six matches, showing complete control over most of her contests. Such a dominant performance is rare at world championship level, where players from many top squash nations compete.

Entering the tournament as the top seed, she successfully lived up to expectations and justified her ranking with disciplined performances from the opening rounds to the championship match.

Her fitness, speed, and ability to adapt to different playing styles helped her remain unbeaten throughout the competition.

Breaking India’s Long-Standing Record

Before Anahat’s victory, Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish in 2005 had remained India’s best performance at the World Junior Squash Championships for more than twenty years.

Anahat’s championship win has now rewritten that record and established a new benchmark for future Indian squash players.

Her achievement is expected to inspire young athletes across India to take up squash and believe that winning major international titles is possible through dedication and consistent training.

The success also reflects the steady improvement of coaching systems and athlete development programmes in Indian squash.

Ending Egypt’s Dominance

Egypt has long been regarded as the strongest nation in world squash, especially in junior competitions.

For several years, Egyptian players have dominated the women’s category at the World Junior Squash Championships. By defeating Egypt’s second seed in the final, Anahat achieved another significant milestone.

She became the first non-Egyptian woman to win the junior world title since Amanda Sobhy claimed the championship in 2010.

Breaking such a long period of dominance makes her victory even more special and demonstrates the growing competitiveness of players from other countries.

About the World Junior Squash Championships

The World Junior Squash Championships is the most prestigious international tournament for junior squash players.

Held every year, the competition brings together the world’s best young athletes to compete in men’s and women’s singles events. The championship serves as an important stepping stone for players who later move into professional squash.

Many of today’s top-ranked professional players first gained international recognition through strong performances at this tournament.

Winning the junior world title is considered one of the highest achievements for any young squash player.

Squash Matches Follow a Best-of-Five Format

Women’s singles matches at the World Junior Squash Championships are played using the best-of-five games format.

Each game is played to 11 points, with players needing to win by at least two points if the score reaches 10-10.

This format rewards consistency, endurance, and tactical planning throughout the match. Players must remain physically fit and mentally focused because momentum can change quickly during long rallies.

Anahat handled these challenges exceptionally well throughout the tournament.

Anahat’s Rising International Career

Even before winning the junior world championship, Anahat Singh had already established herself as one of India’s brightest squash players.

She is currently ranked World No. 20 on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour, competing regularly against experienced international professionals.

In the previous edition of the World Junior Squash Championships held in Cairo, she won a bronze medal, showing her ability to compete at the highest junior level.

Her improvement from bronze medal winner to world champion within a year reflects her rapid development and growing confidence on the international stage.

A Bright Future for Indian Squash

Anahat Singh’s historic world title comes at a time when squash continues to grow in popularity across India. More young players are joining training academies, international tournaments are receiving greater attention, and Indian athletes are achieving stronger results on the global stage.

Winning the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 is more than a personal achievement for Anahat- it is a landmark moment for Indian squash. By becoming the country’s first junior world champion and ending a long wait for the title, she has created a new chapter in India’s sporting history. Her success is expected to inspire the next generation of squash players and strengthen India’s presence in international squash for years to come.