'The Curse Is Finally Broken': Anahat Singh Reflects on Historic World Junior Triumph

New Delhi, July 26: For four years, the World Junior Squash Championships had been a tournament of heartbreak for Anahat Singh. Semifinal exits, quarterfinal disappointments and the feeling that the prestigious event had somehow become "a curse" weighed heavily on India's top-ranked player.

On Saturday (July 25), the 18-year-old athlete from Delhi rewrote that narrative in spectacular fashion. Also Read: How Saurav Ghosal's Guidance Helped Anahat Singh Create Squash History?

By defeating Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women's final in Ontario, Anahat became the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championship, a triumph she described as nothing short of surreal.

"It means the world. I still feel like I'm dreaming," Anahat said after creating history.

The victory carried extra significance as it came in her final year on the junior circuit. "I've been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I've always said, if anyone asked, 'This tournament's a curse,' and I've never been able to play well in the event," she admitted.

"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world."

Playing Free Made the Difference

Having fallen short in previous editions, Anahat entered the biggest match of her junior career determined not to let the occasion overwhelm her.

Instead of worrying about the result, she focused on enjoying the experience. "I knew if I'm stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well. I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final," she said.

That approach paid dividends as she dominated the final from the outset, sealing a straight-games victory to deliver one of the biggest milestones in Indian squash history.

Praise from Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate the teenager on her historic achievement.

"A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the Gold Medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth," the Prime Minister wrote on social media.

'A Dream Come True' for Indian Squash

The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) hailed the title as a watershed moment for the sport in the country. SRFI secretary-general Cyrus Poncha described Anahat's triumph as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream.

"It's a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights," Poncha said.

He recalled how late SRFI patron N. Ramachandran, the visionary behind the Indian Squash Academy, had always dreamt of producing an individual world champion.

"We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we've had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years," he added.

At just 18, Anahat has already established herself among the world's elite, climbing to World No. 20 in the senior rankings. With her junior career ending on the highest possible note, the historic title could prove to be the launchpad for even greater success on the professional circuit.