New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated teenage squash star Anahat Singh after she created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship title. Describing the victory as a landmark achievement for Indian sport, the Prime Minister said her success would inspire more young people across the country to take up squash.
The 18-year-old produced a commanding performance to defeat Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the women’s singles final of the 2026 World Squash Junior Individual Championships held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canadabecoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious junior world crown.
Historic victory for Indian squash
Anahat entered the tournament as the top seed and remained unbeaten throughout the competition.
In the final, she defeated second seed Ruqayya Salem of Egypt 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in straight games to secure the biggest title of her young career.
With the victory, Anahat became the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship and the first non-Egyptian player to lift the women’s trophy since American Amanda Sobhy won the title in 2010, ending Egypt’s dominance of the event.
Her triumph marks a significant milestone in the history of Indian squash.
Prime Minister hails landmark achievement
Congratulating the young champion in a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the achievement as historic.
“A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the Gold Medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth,” the Prime Minister said.
His message recognised both the sporting significance of the victory and its potential to encourage greater participation in squash among young Indians.
Sports Minister extends congratulations
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated Anahat on her remarkable achievement.
In a post on X, he described the victory as a proud moment for the nation.
“History Made! Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championship. A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for every Indian,” he said.
The minister praised the teenager for achieving a milestone that had eluded Indian squash players for decades.
SAI calls it a defining moment
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also celebrated Anahat’s victory, calling it a defining chapter in Indian squash history.
In its congratulatory message, SAI highlighted her dominant straight-games victory over Ruqayya Salem and said the achievement would inspire a new generation of squash players in the country.
The organisation described the title as a landmark accomplishment that further strengthens India’s growing presence in international squash.
Impressive run to the title
Anahat’s title-winning campaign was marked by consistent performances against top-ranked opponents.
She became the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championships after defeating Egypt’s Barb Sameh in the semi-finals.
She then overcame another Egyptian player in the championship match to secure the coveted world title.
Her unbeaten run throughout the tournament underlined her status as one of the brightest emerging talents in world squash.
Rising star of Indian sport
Anahat Singh has already established herself as one of India’s most promising squash players despite her young age.
She won two bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Games when she was just 15 years old and has represented India at the Commonwealth Games.
Her latest triumph is expected to provide a significant boost to Indian squash as the sport prepares to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Sports experts believe the historic victory will encourage greater interest in squash among young athletes and further strengthen India’s development pathway in the sport.
Conclusion
Anahat Singh’s historic World Junior Squash Championship triumph marks a watershed moment for Indian squash. By becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title, the 18-year-old has etched her name into sporting history while providing fresh momentum for the growth of squash in the country ahead of its Olympic debut in 2028.
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