NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Canada (Diya TV) — India’s Anahat Singh created history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian to win the World Squash Junior Championships women’s singles title. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in straight games to complete a remarkable campaign in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.

Top-seeded Anahat beat second seed Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the final. She controlled the match from the start and stayed calm during the key moments. As a result, she secured a landmark victory for Indian squash and ended Egypt’s long dominance in the junior women’s event.

The victory marked a major milestone for Indian squash. Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish in 2005 had remained the country’s best result for more than two decades. However, Anahat finally went one step further and lifted the prestigious junior world title.

“I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Anahat said after the final. “This tournament has been the worst tournament for me. I’ve been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I always felt this event was a curse for me.”

She added that she entered the final with a different mindset. Instead of focusing on pressure, she wanted to enjoy the occasion. “This is my last year as a junior and my only chance to win it. It means the world. I knew that if I got stressed, I would not play well. So I focused on my game and enjoyed every moment,” she said.

Anahat produced outstanding squash throughout the tournament. She dropped only two games in six matches. Moreover, she won her opening three matches without losing a single game.

She started her campaign with a straight-game victory over Australia’s Lilly Wilson. Next, she defeated Hong Kong China’s Pui Yin Chloe Lo before overcoming Malaysia’s Doyce Ye San Lee. Those victories helped her reach the quarterfinals with confidence.

The challenges became tougher from there. First, Anahat faced Egypt’s Habiba Rizk and won 11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9. Then she defeated another Egyptian player, Barb Sameh, 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in the semifinals. Finally, she completed her impressive run by beating Salem in the championship match.

The win also ended Egypt’s grip on the junior women’s world title, which had lasted since 2011. Therefore, Anahat’s success carried significance beyond her personal achievement. It also showed that young players from other nations can challenge the traditional powerhouse in junior squash.

Anahat entered the tournament as the world No. 20 on the senior PSA Tour. She has already established herself as India’s top-ranked women’s squash player. Furthermore, her latest triumph confirmed her growing reputation on the international stage.

The draw also opened up after four-time junior world champion Amina Orfi of Egypt became ineligible because of age. Even so, Anahat still had to beat three Egyptian opponents in a row to claim the title. She responded with composed performances and displayed impressive consistency under pressure.

Her latest achievement builds on the progress she made last year. In 2025, Anahat ended India’s 15-year wait for an individual medal at the World Squash Junior Championships by winning bronze in Cairo. This time, she improved on that result in spectacular fashion and returned home with the gold medal.

India, however, did not enjoy similar success in the other draws. In the women’s singles, Rudra Singh, Anika Dubey and Saanvi Kalanki exited in the round of 32. In the men’s event, reigning Asian junior champion Aryaveer Dewan reached the round of 16, the best result among the Indian men. Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh lost in the round of 32, while Purav Rambhia exited in the round of 64.

Anahat’s historic victory arrives at an important time for the sport. Squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Consequently, her success has generated fresh excitement for Indian squash and inspired a new generation of young players.