Anahat Singh wins U-15 British Junior Open title

She is now the second Indian athlete to win two titles in the tournament.

Anahat Singh, the 15-year-old sensation, has started the 2023 season on a bright note winning the U-15 Girls' squash title in the British Junior Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments of the season held in Birmingham. She became the second Indian to win the prestigious event twice, a feat which was only held by Joshna Chinappa before. Joshna won the title 20 years back winning the U-17 in 2003 and U-19 in 2005.

Anahat Singh defeated 14-year-old Sohaila Hazem of Egypt 3-1 (11-8, 8-11,11-7, and 11-5). This was Anahat’s third final at the British Open with the other two finals contested in the 2019 and 2020 editions. In 2019 she took part in the U-11 category and finished as a runner-up and in 2020 (U-13) winning the maiden title. The tournament wasn't held post the 2020 edition due to the pandemic.

She finished her 2022 season on a great note winning the Scottish Junior Cup and within a gap of one week went on to win another title (British Open). Anahat first came to the limelight when she became the youngest to compete at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham. She went on to win the opening encounter but couldn't progress further putting up a brave fight.

Anahat won several medals at the 2022 National Games winning the gold medal in the event and a bronze medal in the singles category. Next up, the athlete is set to take part in the Asian Junior Team Championships to be held in Chennai, India from 12 February onwards.

Apart from Anahat Singh, there are several Indians who have won the British Open title before - 

Abhay Singh (U-23) in 2020

Sourav Ghoshal (U-19) in 2004

Dipika Pallikal (U-17) in 2008

Velavan Senthikumar (U-19) in 2017

Mahesh Mangaonkar (U-15) in 2009

Joshna Chinnapa (U-17 and U-19) in 2003 and 2005.