India’s top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh made history two weeks ago by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario to end years of Egyptian dominance in the competition.Speaking to WION’s Vidur after her historic triumph, Anahat reflected on her mindset before the tournament, her preparations for the Asian Games and the growing expectations surrounding her Olympic ambitions.&nbsp;Asked if she was confident of winning the title before the World Junior Squash Championship, Anahat said that she stayed grounded despite entering the tournament as the top seed. &nbsp;“Well, I mean, I wouldn’t say I was confident, but I was ranked number one going into the event, so I was expected to win. And I had also played the players that I had played in this event before multiple times. So, I mean, I had beaten them before and I knew that, you know, I had a good chance in this event as well."&nbsp;“But I mean, I didn’t want to go in with, you know, too much confidence. Otherwise, I didn’t want to take it casually or get too excited before I actually won the event. So, I mean, it was a mix of many different emotions, but I mean, I just wanted to take it one step at a time rather than thinking about me already winning the event.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-ll-fight-with-everything-sarfaraz-khan-s-cryptic-message-after-india-test-snub-1786116746448">‘I’ll fight with everything’: Sarfaraz Khan’s cryptic message after India Test snub</a><h3>Anahat excited for Asian Games</h3>After winning the World Junior title, Anahat Singh has turned her attention to the Asian Games in Japan, where the teenage star hopes to build on her previous medal-winning performance and compete alongside Asia’s top athletes once again.&nbsp;“I mean, of course, I’m super excited. The last time I went for the Asian Games, it was one of the best few weeks of my life. And I think just getting the chance to do that again and being in the village and, I mean, among so many of the top athletes, it’s such a, it’s a really great experience. And I’m looking forward to doing that again in a month’s time.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WIONWorldOfSports?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONWorldOfSports</a> | India&#39;s teenage squash sensation Anahat Singh speaks to Wion&#39;s <a href="https://x.com/vidurkat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vidurkat</a> after becoming the country&#39;s first World Junior Squash Champion Anahat will now shift her focus to the 2026 Asian Games <a href="https://t.co/1Fbg8xchsc">pic.twitter.com/1Fbg8xchsc</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2085743553330966601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Anahat Singh

Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-cricket-announces-free-entry-for-fans-during-india-test-series-1786111447312">Sri Lanka Cricket announces free entry for fans during India Test series</a><h3>Olympic expectations motivating Anahat</h3>Anahat’s rapid rise has also seen her emerge as a potential medal contender for the Olympics. However, rather than feeling pressured by the expectations, the youngster believes that they can motivate her to improve further.&nbsp;“I mean, it’s definitely given me more motivation since it’s now in the Olympics as well. And, you know, if people expect me to win or get a medal at the Olympics, that means I just have to work a lot harder. And it’s also like a challenge for me and a goal to work towards.&nbsp;“So, I mean, I think just regardless of anything, it’s something that, I mean, I would want more than anything. And it’s every athlete’s dream. So, I mean, just taking the expectations more as something that’s exciting and something to look forward to rather than any sort of pressure.”&nbsp;<h3>Anahat talks about Red Bull Athlete Performance Center experience</h3>Anahat also spoke about her visit to the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, which came a week before the World Juniors. She said the experience helped her understand the areas she needs to improve ahead of the Asian Games.&nbsp;“I visited the Performance Center a week before the World Juniors and I think it was a great experience overall. It was one of my first few times visiting a center like that and just getting to do so many different tests and seeing exactly what I need to work towards in the next couple of months, especially leading up to the Asian Games because there’s not too much time".

Speaking to WION’s Vidur after her historic triumph, Anahat reflected on her mindset before the tournament, her preparations for the Asian Games and the growing expectations surrounding her Olympic ambitions.

India’s top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh made history two weeks ago by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario to end years of Egyptian dominance in the competition. Speaking to WION’s Vidur after her historic triumph, Anahat reflected on her mindset before the tournament, her preparations for the Asian Games and the growing expectations surrounding her Olympic ambitions. Asked if she was confident of winning the title before the World Junior Squash Championship, Anahat said that she stayed grounded despite entering the tournament as the top seed. “Well, I mean, I wouldn’t say I was confident, but I was ranked number one going into the event, so I was expected to win. And I had also played the players that I had played in this event before multiple times. So, I mean, I had beaten them before and I knew that, you know, I had a good chance in this event as well." “But I mean, I didn’t want to go in with, you know, too much confidence. Otherwise, I didn’t want to take it casually or get too excited before I actually won the event. So, I mean, it was a mix of many different emotions, but I mean, I just wanted to take it one step at a time rather than thinking about me already winning the event.” Also Read - ‘I’ll fight with everything’: Sarfaraz Khan’s cryptic message after India Test snub Anahat excited for Asian Games After winning the World Junior title, Anahat Singh has turned her attention to the Asian Games in Japan, where the teenage star hopes to build on her previous medal-winning performance and compete alongside Asia’s top athletes once again. “I mean, of course, I’m super excited. The last time I went for the Asian Games, it was one of the best few weeks of my life. And I think just getting the chance to do that again and being in the village and, I mean, among so many of the top athletes, it’s such a, it’s a really great experience. And I’m looking forward to doing that again in a month’s time.”

Speaking to WION’s Vidur after her historic triumph, Anahat reflected on her mindset before the tournament, her preparations for the Asian Games and the growing expectations surrounding her Olympic ambitions.

Exclusive | World Junior Champion Anahat Singh opens up on historic win, Asian Games & Olympic dream

For most 18-year-olds, becoming a world champion would be the ultimate destination. For Anahat Singh, it is simply another milestone on a journey that she believes has only just started. Days after becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, the Delhi teenager spoke with remarkable composure about her historic achievement in Ontario, where she defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to script Indian squash history.&nbsp;There was no celebration of ending Egypt's dominance, no obsession with records or statistics. Instead, there was clarity. "I honestly don't really like to think too much about the statistics or the history behind matches or tournaments. It's just another player and another match," Anahat said when asked about becoming the first non-Egyptian champion in 15 years. That mindset has become the biggest weapon in her rapid rise.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andrea-pirlo-drops-out-of-italy-head-coach-race-amid-russian-betting-company-row-1785155277900">Andrea Pirlo no longer in contention for Italy head coach role after Fonbet controversy</a><h2>Built for the biggest stage</h2>The teenager credits her parents for helping her ignore external expectations, choosing instead to focus only on preparation. "My parents have always pushed me to believe that you don't have to think too much about what other people expect from you. I just focus on the amount of training I've done and my game," she explained. That approach has allowed her to handle pressure better than many athletes far older than her.&nbsp;Even after being hailed as the next superstar of Indian squash, Anahat refuses to see expectations as a burden. "It's more a privilege than pressure. Not everyone gets the opportunity to play on the world stage. Even having pressure is a good thing because it means you're competing at the highest level."<h2>Learning from the world's best</h2>A key factor behind her breakthrough has been competing regularly on the senior PSA Tour despite still being eligible for junior events. Facing players ranked inside the world's top 10 and top 20 exposed the gaps in her game while simultaneously giving her confidence. “Playing those events helps me understand how much work I have to put in. Whenever I feel I'm not playing my best, I remember the matches against top-10 players and focus on giving my 100 percent.” Now, with the junior title secured, the focus has shifted entirely towards consistency on the senior circuit. Anahat admits that physical strength and backing up multiple tough matches remain the biggest areas she wants to improve before challenging regularly at Platinum events.<h2>Heartbreak made history sweeter</h2>The World Junior title carried extra emotional significance. Having narrowly missed out in previous editions, Anahat knew this was her final opportunity to become junior world champion. “I knew this was my last opportunity to win this tournament. It pushed me to give it my all. At the end of the day it's just another tournament, but I still have a lot more to achieve.” That perspective perhaps explains why she surprisingly felt the least nervous before the final. "I was actually less stressed before the final than any other round because I felt confident in the way I had been playing throughout the week."<h2>Eyes firmly on Los Angeles 2028</h2>Despite becoming world junior champion, Anahat is already looking ahead. The immediate goal is the Asian Games, where a gold medal could also secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. She insists the Olympic dream changes little about her preparation. “Whether the Olympics was part of it or not, my mentality would remain the same. I just want to make sure I'm at my best when the Asian Games arrive.” The inclusion of squash in the Olympic programme has only strengthened her belief. "Every squash player is over the moon. If I qualify through the Asian Games, that would be amazing. But even if it doesn't happen that way, there are other paths to the Olympics."<h2>Still sinking in</h2>For all the maturity she displayed throughout the conversation, one answer perhaps captured the magnitude of what she has achieved. Asked how it felt standing on top of the podium as India's first junior world champion, Anahat smiled. “It felt really unreal. I felt like I was dreaming. I still feel like I'm dreaming. It still hasn't fully sunk in.” History has already been written. For Anahat Singh, however, the bigger story may still be waiting.

World Junior Squash champion Anahat Singh opens up on handling pressure, defeating Egypt's best, Olympic dreams, Asian Games ambitions, coaches, and why she still feels like she's dreaming after making Indian sporting history.

For most 18-year-olds, becoming a world champion would be the ultimate destination. For Anahat Singh, it is simply another milestone on a journey that she believes has only just started. Days after becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, the Delhi teenager spoke with remarkable composure about her historic achievement in Ontario, where she defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to script Indian squash history. There was no celebration of ending Egypt's dominance, no obsession with records or statistics. Instead, there was clarity. "I honestly don't really like to think too much about the statistics or the history behind matches or tournaments. It's just another player and another match," Anahat said when asked about becoming the first non-Egyptian champion in 15 years. That mindset has become the biggest weapon in her rapid rise. Also Read: Andrea Pirlo no longer in contention for Italy head coach role after Fonbet controversy Built for the biggest stage The teenager credits her parents for helping her ignore external expectations, choosing instead to focus only on preparation. "My parents have always pushed me to believe that you don't have to think too much about what other people expect from you. I just focus on the amount of training I've done and my game," she explained. That approach has allowed her to handle pressure better than many athletes far older than her. Even after being hailed as the next superstar of Indian squash, Anahat refuses to see expectations as a burden. "It's more a privilege than pressure. Not everyone gets the opportunity to play on the world stage. Even having pressure is a good thing because it means you're competing at the highest level." Learning from the world's best A key factor behind her breakthrough has been competing regularly on the senior PSA Tour despite still being eligible for junior events. Facing players ranked inside the world's top 10 and top 20 exposed the gaps in her game while simultaneously giving her confidence. “Playing those events helps me understand how much work I have to put in. Whenever I feel I'm not playing my best, I remember the matches against top-10 players and focus on giving my 100 percent.” Now, with the junior title secured, the focus has shifted entirely towards consistency on the senior circuit. Anahat admits that physical strength and backing up multiple tough matches remain the biggest areas she wants to improve before challenging regularly at Platinum events. Heartbreak made history sweeter The World Junior title carried extra emotional significance. Having narrowly missed out in previous editions, Anahat knew this was her final opportunity to become junior world champion. “I knew this was my last opportunity to win this tournament. It pushed me to give it my all. At the end of the day it's just another tournament, but I still have a lot more to achieve.” That perspective perhaps explains why she surprisingly felt the least nervous before the final. "I was actually less stressed before the final than any other round because I felt confident in the way I had been playing throughout the week." Eyes firmly on Los Angeles 2028 Despite becoming world junior champion, Anahat is already looking ahead. The immediate goal is the Asian Games, where a gold medal could also secure direct qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. She insists the Olympic dream changes little about her preparation. “Whether the Olympics was part of it or not, my mentality would remain the same. I just want to make sure I'm at my best when the Asian Games arrive.” The inclusion of squash in the Olympic programme has only strengthened her belief. "Every squash player is over the moon. If I qualify through the Asian Games, that would be amazing. But even if it doesn't happen that way, there are other paths to the Olympics." Still sinking in For all the maturity she displayed throughout the conversation, one answer perhaps captured the magnitude of what she has achieved. Asked how it felt standing on top of the podium as India's first junior world champion, Anahat smiled. “It felt really unreal. I felt like I was dreaming. I still feel like I'm dreaming. It still hasn't fully sunk in.” History has already been written. For Anahat Singh, however, the bigger story may still be waiting.

World Junior champion Anahat Singh says the historic title is only the beginning as she opens up on handling pressure, defeating Egyptian rivals, Olympic dreams and why she still feels like she's dreaming

'It's more a privilege than pressure': Anahat Singh already has her eyes on the next summit

India’s top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old beat Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario.&nbsp;“It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Anahat said after winning the title.“I’ve been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I’ve always said, if anyone’s asked, ‘This tournament’s a curse,’ and I’ve never been able to play well in the event,” the Delhi-based player said.&nbsp;Anahat said lifting the trophy in her final year as a junior made the achievement even more memorable.&nbsp;“This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world,” Anahat added.&nbsp;She also said her main aim before the final was to stay calm and enjoy the experience.&nbsp;“I knew if I’m stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well… I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-regain-no-1-spot-in-icc-t20i-team-rankings-1785051926179">India regain No.1 spot in ICC T20I team rankings</a>&nbsp;Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha called Anahat’s triumph a landmark achievement for Indian squash.&nbsp;“It’s a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” Poncha said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-tim-david-reacts-after-controversial-dismissal-against-usman-tariq-1785044586909">WATCH | Tim David reacts after controversial dismissal against Usman Tariq</a>&nbsp;He also remembered the vision of former SRFI patron N. Ramachandran.&nbsp;“(The late) Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events,” Poncha continued.&nbsp;“We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we’ve had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years.”&nbsp;<h2>PM Modi congratulates Anahat Singh&nbsp;</h2>Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anahat Singh on her historic World Junior Squash Championship triumph, saying the landmark achievement would inspire more youngsters to take up the sport.&nbsp;&nbsp;"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," he said in the X post.

Anahat Singh said her historic World Junior Squash Championship triumph "means the world" after becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title. 

India’s top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh made history on Saturday by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old beat Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario. “It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Anahat said after winning the title. “I’ve been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I’ve always said, if anyone’s asked, ‘This tournament’s a curse,’ and I’ve never been able to play well in the event,” the Delhi-based player said. Anahat said lifting the trophy in her final year as a junior made the achievement even more memorable. “This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world,” Anahat added. She also said her main aim before the final was to stay calm and enjoy the experience. “I knew if I’m stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well… I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final,” she said. Also Read - India regain No.1 spot in ICC T20I team rankings Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha called Anahat’s triumph a landmark achievement for Indian squash. “It’s a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” Poncha said. Also Read - WATCH | Tim David reacts after controversial dismissal against Usman Tariq He also remembered the vision of former SRFI patron N. Ramachandran. “(The late) Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events,” Poncha continued. “We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we’ve had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years.” PM Modi congratulates Anahat Singh Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Anahat Singh on her historic World Junior Squash Championship triumph, saying the landmark achievement would inspire more youngsters to take up the sport. "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," he said in the X post.

Anahat Singh said her historic World Junior Squash Championship triumph "means the world" after becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title.&nbsp;

'This tournament is a curse. It was my last time as a...': Anahat Singh reacts after winning World Junior Squash Championship

India's teenage squash star Anahat Singh is just one victory away from creating history after becoming the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championships. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Barb Sameh 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in the semifinal at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, to book her place in the championship match. Top seed Anahat has lived up to expectations throughout the tournament with a series of commanding performances. Her latest win ended India's long wait for a finalist at the prestigious event since Joshna Chinappa finished runner-up in 2005. She now has the opportunity to become the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships.&nbsp;Standing between Anahat and the title is second seed Ruqayya Salem of Egypt, a nation that has dominated world squash for years. Victory in the final would see the Indian teenager surpass Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish and carve her name into the sport's history books. Anahat started strongly against Sameh, racing through the opening game before the Egyptian fought back to level the contest by claiming the second. The Indian, however, responded brilliantly, regaining control with her sharp movement, accurate shot-making and aggressive attacking play to comfortably win the final two games and secure her place in the title clash.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-the-brazil-football-team-really-coming-to-kolkata-to-play-friendly-match-here-s-what-we-know-1784981341509">Is the Brazil football team really coming to Kolkata to play friendly match? Here's what we know</a>&nbsp;Following the victory, Anahat reflected on reaching her maiden World Junior final after previous quarterfinal and semifinal exits.“I’m really happy. I played Barb a few months ago at the British Junior Open, and it was a close match like this, so I knew I’d have to play really well,” Singh said. “I didn’t play my best yesterday, and I knew I had to come out today and show what I can do on court. I’ve played in four World Juniors and lost in the quarters and semis, so reaching the final has made my parents and coaches really happy, but the tournament’s not over yet.”&nbsp;Anahat has enjoyed a rapid rise in world squash over the past few seasons. Currently ranked world no. 20 on the PSA Tour, she has already clinched multiple PSA titles and won medals at major continental events despite still being a teenager. After claiming bronze at last year's World Junior Championships, she has returned this year with the opportunity to complete a historic title-winning campaign.

Anahat Singh reaches the World Junior Squash Championships final after defeating Barb Sameh, becoming the first Indian finalist in 21 years. The 18-year-old now faces Ruqayya Salem for a chance to become India's first-ever world junior squash champion

India's teenage squash star Anahat Singh is just one victory away from creating history after becoming the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championships. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Barb Sameh 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in the semifinal at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, to book her place in the championship match. Top seed Anahat has lived up to expectations throughout the tournament with a series of commanding performances. Her latest win ended India's long wait for a finalist at the prestigious event since Joshna Chinappa finished runner-up in 2005. She now has the opportunity to become the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships. Standing between Anahat and the title is second seed Ruqayya Salem of Egypt, a nation that has dominated world squash for years. Victory in the final would see the Indian teenager surpass Joshna Chinappa's runner-up finish and carve her name into the sport's history books. Anahat started strongly against Sameh, racing through the opening game before the Egyptian fought back to level the contest by claiming the second. The Indian, however, responded brilliantly, regaining control with her sharp movement, accurate shot-making and aggressive attacking play to comfortably win the final two games and secure her place in the title clash. Also Read: Is the Brazil football team really coming to Kolkata to play friendly match? Here's what we know Following the victory, Anahat reflected on reaching her maiden World Junior final after previous quarterfinal and semifinal exits. “I’m really happy. I played Barb a few months ago at the British Junior Open, and it was a close match like this, so I knew I’d have to play really well,” Singh said. “I didn’t play my best yesterday, and I knew I had to come out today and show what I can do on court. I’ve played in four World Juniors and lost in the quarters and semis, so reaching the final has made my parents and coaches really happy, but the tournament’s not over yet.” Anahat has enjoyed a rapid rise in world squash over the past few seasons. Currently ranked world no. 20 on the PSA Tour, she has already clinched multiple PSA titles and won medals at major continental events despite still being a teenager. After claiming bronze at last year's World Junior Championships, she has returned this year with the opportunity to complete a historic title-winning campaign.

Anahat Singh reaches the World Junior Squash Championships final, becoming the first Indian in 21 years to do so and moving one win from scripting history

History beckons! Anahat Singh becomes first Indian in 21 years to reach World Junior Squash Championships final

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Exclusive | World Junior Champion Anahat Singh opens up on historic win, Asian Games & Olympic dream

Anahat Singh after historic World Junior title: 'I still feel like I'm dreaming'

'This tournament is a curse. It was my last time as a...': Anahat Singh

Anahat becomes first Indian in 21 yrs to reach World Junior Squash C'ships final