Anahat Singh breaks 21-year Indian drought, reaches World Junior Squash final
Dreams are rarely built overnight. They are shaped through years of setbacks, relentless training and the courage to return stronger every time. On Friday, India's Anahat Singh took another giant step towards sporting immortality, booking her place in the final of the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships and moving within touching distance of a historic first world title.
The top seed defeated Egypt's Barb Sameh 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in a gripping semifinal to become the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final of the prestigious tournament.
The achievement makes her India's first finalist since Joshna Chinappa's memorable run in 2005.
Singh looked in complete control early, racing through the opening game 11-3. Sameh, seeded 3/4, responded with an 11-8 victory in the second game to level the contest.
However, the Indian teenager quickly regained her rhythm, dominating the next two games 11-4 and 11-6 to seal a deserved place in the title clash.
Speaking after the victory, Singh said she was delighted to reach the final but insisted the job was far from finished.
'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,’ she said.
Standing between her and history is Egypt's second seed Ruqayya Salem, who defeated compatriot Malika Elkaraksy in four games to secure her place in the final.
Salem, who failed to qualify for last year's championships, produced a composed display to win 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9.
An emotional Salem admitted the result was especially meaningful after last year's disappointment.
The women's final will be played on Saturday, with Singh aiming to become the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships title.