Ontario: Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh created history by becoming the first player from the country to reach the women’s singles final of the World Junior Squash Championships after defeating Egypt’s Barb Sameh 3-1 in the semi final in Ontario, Canada.
The 18 year old is now just one victory away from becoming India’s first ever World Junior squash champion. She will face Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem in the title clash later on Saturday.
Anahat’s journey to the final has been outstanding. She secured her place in the last four with an impressive 3-1 victory over Habiba Rizk in the quarter finals, becoming the first Indian to qualify for the semi finals of the prestigious tournament in consecutive editions.
After winning a historic bronze medal in the 2025 championship following a semi final exit, Anahat has gone one step further this year, underlining her steady rise among the world’s brightest young squash talents. Ranked World No. 20, she entered the tournament as one of the favourites and has lived up to expectations with a series of confident performances.
Reflecting on her semi final victory, Anahat said she knew she had to produce her best after a closely contested meeting with Barb Sameh at the British Junior Open earlier this year. She admitted she was not fully satisfied with her previous performance in the tournament and was determined to raise her level in the semi final.
The teenager also described reaching the final as a proud moment for her family and coaches after competing in four editions of the World Junior Championships. However, she stressed that her job is not yet complete and remains focused on the ultimate prize.
A victory in the final against Ruqayya Salem would mark a landmark achievement for Indian squash, making Anahat Singh the country’s first ever World Junior champion and adding another historic chapter to her rapidly growing career.
