Sourav Ghosal and Anahat Singh (Image credit: X)
New Delhi: India No. 1 Anahat Singh on Saturday created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old defeated Egyptian Roqaya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario on Saturday.“This means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” Anahat said after winning the title.
“I have lost in the semi-finals and quarter-finals for the last four years. I have always said, if anyone is asked, this tournament is a curse, and I have never been able to play well in this event,” the Delhi player said.Anahat said winning the title in her final junior appearance made the achievement even more special.“This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it.
“It means the world,” Anahat added.She also revealed that her focus ahead of the final was to stay relaxed and enjoy the occasion.“I knew that if I was nervous, I was playing poorly, so I just went out on the court and hit my stride well… I wanted to enjoy every moment of playing in the World Championship final,” she said.
“Historical moment for Indian squash ‘
Squash Racquets Federation of India (SRFI) General Secretary Cyrus Pooncha described Anahat’s win as a milestone for the sport in the country.
“This is a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” Poncha said.He also referred to the vision of SRFI’s late patron N. Ramachandran.“(Late) Mr N Ramachandran, patron of SRFI and visionary of the Indian Squash Academy, always said that it was his dream for India to produce a world champion in the individual events,” Poncha continued.“We achieved that in doubles, but to repeat that success in singles, it is truly a dream come true. Anahat has put in a lot of hard work and effort of course, but the entire nation has been behind her and her successes over the past few years.”