Anahat Singh scripts history by entering World Junior Squash Championships 2026 final
Anahat Singh beat Egypt’s Barb Sameh in the semi-finals
Anahat Singh made history on Friday by becoming the first Indian player to enter the World Junior Squash Championships final in 21 years. The 18-year-old from New Delhi beat Barb Sameh in the women’s singles semi-final to come one step closer to clinching her maiden world junior squash title.
This historic result marked the first time an Indian squash player reached the final since Joshna Chinappa’s runners-up finish in 2005. Anahat can script further history in the final, as she can become the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships singles title.
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Anahat Singh’s assured semi-final win
Anahat, ranked No. 20 in the world, secured a comfortable 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 win over third/fourth seed Sameh.
After a fast start by Anahat, Sameh fought back in the second game, narrowly clinching it. However, the Indian starlet soon regained control, dominating the final two games to seal a place in the final, which will take place on Saturday at the White Oaks Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada.
“I’m really happy. I played Barb (Sameh) 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,” Anahat said in the post-match interview.
“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 Singh had already improved upon her bronze medal finish in the previous edition, and will face Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem in the final. Salem sealed her place in the showpiece event with an 11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 victory over Malika Elkaraksy.
When is the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 final?
The women’s singles final will be played on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the White Oaks Resort & Spa, Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake, Ontario, Canada. The match will start at 10:30 PM IST.
Where to watch the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 final in India?
Indian fans can stream the match live on WorldSquashTV.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.