- Anahat Singh defeated Ruqaiyya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9, becoming the first non-Egyptian to win the World Juniors since 2011 and ending Egypt's run of 13 straight titles.
- In the tournament, Anahat defeated Lily Wilson, Pui Yin Chloe, and Douce Ye San Lee, then dropped only two sets to Egyptians Habiba Rizk and Barb Samah.
- Anahat remarked "I focussed on hitting the lines" during the final, and credited her team for providing solutions over frustrations.
- The 18-year-old from Delhi had called the World Juniors a "curse" after multiple near-misses; this was her last year as a junior and her only chance to win it.
- Former top player Dipika Pallikal called the win a huge testament to Anahat's ability and said she has the ingredients to become one of the best in the world.
Anahat Singh, an 18-year-old squash prodigy from Delhi, has made history by winning the World Junior Squash Championship, breaking Egypt's dominance that lasted 13 years. She defeated Ruqaiyya Salem in the final with scores of 11-3, 11-7, 11-9, marking a significant achievement for Indian squash.12
Anahat had previously labeled the tournament a 'curse' due to her past failures, stating, “I still feel like I’m dreaming. This tournament has been the worst tournament for me.” After years of near misses, she finally clinched the title in her last year as a junior, emphasizing its importance: “It means the world.”
Her journey to the championship included victories over top players from Australia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, and she only dropped two sets to Egyptian competitors. Anahat's success is attributed to her rigorous training under the mentorship of Saurav Ghosal and coach Stephane Galifi, who emphasized adaptability and strategic play against skilled opponents.
Former top player Dipika Pallikal praised Anahat's potential, stating, “She has all the ingredients to establish herself among the world’s elite.” Anahat's victory not only signifies her talent but also her ability to handle pressure and expectations, setting the stage for a promising future in squash.78
“Titles are never just about a trophy. They represent years of discipline, sacrifice and the ability to deliver when the pressure is at its highest,” said Gaultier, highlighting the significance of her achievement.
“Anahat defeated three Egyptian players in the knockout stages, including a dominant 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 win over Ruqaiyya Salem in the final, ending Egypt's 13-year hold on the title. Former top-10 player Dipika Pallikal said the victory proves Anahat has the ingredients to become one of the best in the world.”
The Indian Express
