India's National Anthem Played on Podium As Anahat Singh Becomes First Indian to Win World Junior Squash Championships (Video)

The Indian tricolour soared high and the national anthem resonated proudly at the Mark Sachvie Squash Center as 18-year-old Anahat Singh created an unprecedented moment in Indian squash history. The prodigious talent defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-9) in a commanding performance to become the first Indian to win the prestigious World Junior Squash Championships girls' singles title.

Anahat's historic victory at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships not only marks a personal milestone but also shatters a formidable 15-year Egyptian dominance in the girls' singles event, a feat that has seen players from the North African nation lift the trophy for over a decade.

Anahat Singh's Dominant Campaign to Gold

Ranked as the top seed for the tournament, Anahat Singh showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout her campaign. She swept through her opening three opponents without dropping a single game. In her challenging quarter-final, Anahat overcame Habiba Rizk 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9), followed by a 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) victory against Barb Sameh in the semi-finals. Across her dominant campaign, Anahat dropped only two games on her way to the title.

The final against second-seeded Ruqayya Salem saw Anahat maintain her composure and execute her game plan flawlessly. She quickly secured the first game 11-3, followed by a confident 11-7 win in the second. Despite a spirited fightback from Salem in the third game, where the Egyptian took an 8-6 lead, Anahat held her nerve to close out the match 11-9, sealing her place in history without dropping a single game in the final.

Anahat Singh- First Indian to Win World Junior Squash Championships

India's National Anthem Played at World Squash Jnr C'ships 2026

Quotes From the Champion

Speaking after her monumental win, an ecstatic Anahat Singh expressed her disbelief and immense joy. "I still feel like I'm dreaming," she said, adding, "This tournament has been the worst for me, losing in semis and quarters in the last few years... This was my last year, so I knew that this was my only chance to win the tournament. This means a lot."

Anahat's triumph surpasses India's previous best performance at the World Junior Championships, which was a runner-up finish by veteran Joshna Chinappa in 2005. This gold medal adds to Anahat's growing list of accolades, which includes a bronze medal at the previous year's World Junior Squash Championships in Cairo, ending India's 15-year wait for an individual medal at the event.

Anahat Singh's historic gold medal at the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 marks a landmark achievement for Indian squash. Her dominant performance and breakthrough victory are set to inspire a new generation of athletes, solidifying her status as a trailblazer for the sport in the nation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2026 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).