India’s teenage squash sensation Anahat Singh is now just one win away from creating history, having become 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 seal her spot in the title clash.
Top seed Anahat has been in commanding form throughout the tournament, and her latest win ends India’s long wait for a finalist at the prestigious event, a feat last achieved by Joshna Chinappa, who finished runner-up in 2005. Anahat now has the chance to become the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships.
Standing in her way is second seed Ruqayya Salem of Egypt, a nation that has long dominated the world squash circuit. A win in the final would see the Indian teenager go one better than Joshna Chinappa’s runner-up finish and etch her name into the sport’s history books.
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Anahat began strongly against Sameh, cruising through the opening game before the Egyptian hit back to level the contest by taking the second. The Indian responded impressively though, regaining control through sharp movement, precise shot-making and aggressive attacking play to comfortably close out the final two games and book her place in the summit clash.
Reflecting on reaching her maiden World Junior final after previous quarterfinal and semifinal exits, Anahat said, “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. 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 claimed multiple PSA titles and won medals at major continental events, all while still a teenager. Having claimed bronze at last year’s World Junior Championships, she has returned this year with a chance to complete a historic title-winning campaign.
