"Winning this title still feels unreal, now my focus is on Asian Games": Anahat Singh after winning Squash Junior C'ships 2026
New Delhi, August 3
India's young sensation Anahat Singh expressed her delight following winning the Squash Junior Championships 2026, calling it the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
She also said her focus has now shifted to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, where she hopes to win gold and boost her chances of securing Olympic qualification.
Anahat defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls' singles final of the World Squash Junior Championships 2026 to claim the prestigious title last Saturday.
With the win, Anahat scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Squash Junior Championships title.
Anahat received a resounding welcome at the Delhi Airport following her historic campaign at the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships held in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
"I'm really happy. I've been playing this event for the last four years, and I've always fallen short in the quarterfinals or semifinals, so it's a great feeling to finally win the title this year. The Asian Games are just two months away, and that's my biggest focus now because they're also an Olympic qualifier. My main goal over the next few months is to prepare well and hopefully win a gold medal at the Asian Games," Singh told ANI.
"Winning this title still feels unreal. It has been my dream ever since I started playing squash, and it took me a few days to truly process that I had actually won the tournament. I'm obviously delighted, but I also know this is just the beginning. I want to keep improving, keep growing as a player, and continue winning more titles," she added.
The 18-year-old was in complete control throughout the final and capped a dominant campaign in which she dropped just two games across six matches.
Anahat began her campaign with a straight-games win over Australian qualifier Lilly Wilson before defeating Hong Kong China's Pui Yin Chloe Lo and Malaysia's Doyce Ye San Lee to reach the quarterfinals.
She then overcame Egypt's Habiba Rizk 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9) in the quarterfinals before defeating another Egyptian, Barb Sameh, 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6) in the semifinals.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So proud of this young girl! At just 18, she's already a world champion. The way she handled the pressure in the final against the Egyptian player was mature beyond her years. Asian Games gold is definitely within reach!
What a phenomenal run! Dropping just two games in six matches shows complete domination. The squash ecosystem in India is finally producing world-class players. Great to see the sport growing beyond the metros too. Best of luck for Aichi-Nagoya!
As someone who follows squash closely, I can say this is no small feat. The Egyptian players have dominated this sport for years, and beating three of them in one tournament is remarkable. India has a real gem here. The future looks bright!
Finally, an Indian squash player getting the recognition she deserves! The welcome at Delhi Airport was well-deserved. But let's not stop celebrating here—the Asian Games will be a bigger test. Hope our sports authorities give her all the support she needs. 🙏
Brilliant! But I wish our media would give this kind of coverage to other sports too. Squash isn't even an Olympic sport yet, and here she is dreaming of Olympic qualification through Asian Games. Amazing dedication despite the lack of infrastructure. Respect! 💪
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