World Junior Squash Championship: Anahat Singh created history, first Indian player to reach the final after 21 years

New Delhi: India’s young squash star Anahat Singh has created history with his brilliant performance in the World Junior Squash Championship 2026. Top seed Anahat, who hails from Delhi, entered the final by defeating third-fourth seeded Barb Sameh of Egypt 3-1 in the semi-finals.

With this achievement, Anahat has become the first Indian player since 2005 to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championship. Earlier, veteran Indian player Joshna Chinappa had achieved this position in 2005.

Defeated Egypt 3-1 in semi-finals

The top seeded player from Delhi defeated third-fourth seeded Barb Sameh of Egypt 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in the semi-finals on Friday.

He displayed an aggressive and balanced game throughout the match. After winning the first game easily, they lost the second game, but made a brilliant comeback and won the next two games and secured a ticket to the finals.

Just one step away from becoming the first Indian Junior World Champion

Anahat, who won a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals last year and is ranked 20th in the world, is now just one step away from becoming India’s first junior world squash champion. This time he improved his performance and made it to the finals for the first time.

What did Anahat say after the victory?

After reaching the final, Anahat Singh expressed his happiness and said, ‘I am very happy. I played against Barb at the British Junior Open a few months ago and it was a very close match, so I knew I had to play really well. “I didn’t play my best yesterday and I knew I had to show today what I can do,” she said. “I have participated in four world junior tournaments but lost in the quarterfinals and semi-finals, so my parents and coaches are very happy to reach the finals, but the tournament is not over yet,” Anahat said.

Competing with Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the final

In the title match, Anahat Singh will face second seeded player Ruqayya Salem of Egypt. India will now be eyeing this historic match, where Anahat will take to the court with the aim of becoming the first Indian Junior World Squash Champion.

Anahat Singh’s achievements at a glance

• The first Indian player to reach the World Junior Squash final after 21 years.
• Joshna Chinappa last achieved this feat in 2005.
• Defeated Barb Sameh 3–1 in semi-finals.
• Ranked 20th in the world ranking.
• Just one win away from becoming the first Indian Junior World Champion.

Also read: Commonwealth Games 2026: Jhandu Kumar of Bihar once ran his household by selling vegetables, today created history, gave India its first medal, Indians shone in many sports