New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated India's World Junior Squash Championship 2026 team, including gold medallist Anahat Singh and bronze medal-winning men's junior team Aryaveer Dewan, Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh.

Eighteen-year-old Anahat scripted history last week by becoming the first Indian to win the women's singles title at the World Junior Squash Championships, held in Canada. Competing in the tournament for the fifth time, she added the coveted gold to the bronze medal she won in Cairo last year.

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In the final, Anahat defeated Egypt's second seed Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 to claim the biggest title of her career. She also became the first non-Egyptian to win the women's junior world title since American Amanda Sobhy triumphed in 2010, ending Egypt's 15-year dominance that began in 2011.

Earlier in the tournament, Anahat had become the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final of the World Junior Squash Championships after defeating Egypt's Barb Sameh in the semi-finals. She capped off her remarkable campaign by overcoming another Egyptian opponent in the title clash.

During the felicitation ceremony, Mandaviya congratulated the young athletes and urged them to view their recent success as the start of a longer journey, with major events such as the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon.

Praising Anahat's achievement, the minister said her historic victory would inspire millions of young Indians to take up squash. In return, Anahat presented Mandaviya with an autographed squash racket and ball as a token of appreciation.

The event also featured selfies and informal interactions between the minister and the players, adding a celebratory touch to the occasion.

The Indian squad returned home on Monday night, where they were welcomed by Squash Rackets Federation of India president Anil Wadhwa, who congratulated the team on its historic campaign at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships.

IANS