Anahat Singh, India’s first World Junior squash champion, expressed disbelief at her achievement, emphasizing the significance of winning the title in her final year in the junior circuit. Having previously faced setbacks in quarter-finals and semi-finals, Anahat’s victorious journey culminated in her becoming the first Indian since 2005 to reach the World Junior final.
Reflecting on her win, Anahat shared her elation, stating, “I still feel like I’m dreaming.” She acknowledged the challenges she had encountered in past tournaments and highlighted the importance of this victory as her last opportunity to excel in the junior category.
In a remarkable display of skill, the World No. 20 Indian athlete secured the title by defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem in the women’s final with scores of 11-3, 11-7, 11-9. The Squash Rackets Federation of India’s secretary-general, Cyrus Poncha, hailed Anahat’s triumph as a historic moment for Indian squash, emphasizing her potential for future success.
Poncha lauded Anahat’s dedication and the nation’s support, underscoring the significance of her achievement in fulfilling the late Mr. N Ramachandran’s dream of producing a world champion in individual squash events. He commended the collective efforts that contributed to Anahat’s success, marking a significant milestone for Indian squash.
