Nigara-on-the-Lake, July 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian squash player Anahat Singh moved closer to history after reaching the final of the World Junior Squash Championships, becoming the first Indian in 21 years to make the title clash of the prestigious tournament.
The top-seeded Indian defeated Egypt’s Barb Sameh in four games in the semifinal on Friday, winning 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6. With the victory, Anahat became the first Indian women’s finalist at the World Junior Championships since Joshna Chinappa achieved the feat in 2005.
Anahat began the semifinal strongly, taking the opening game comfortably before Sameh levelled the contest by winning the second game. The Indian responded with greater control and dominated the final two games to secure her place in the championship match.
“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,” Anahat said after the victory.
She added that reaching the final was a special moment after previous appearances ended at the quarterfinal and semifinal stages, but stressed that her focus remained on winning the title.
Standing between Anahat and a historic World Junior crown is Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem, who defeated compatriot Malika Elkaraksy in the other semifinal.
Salem, who missed qualification for last year’s championship, fought back strongly to reach the final and said she was proud of turning her disappointment into motivation.
The women’s final will be played on Saturday, with Anahat aiming to become the first Indian to win the World Junior squash title.
In the men’s competition, Egypt’s top seed Mohamad Zakaria reached his fourth consecutive final and will face compatriot Adam Hawal, who advanced after Marwan Assal retired injured during their semifinal.
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