Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated teenage squash player Anahat Singh after she created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship title in Canada.
The 18-year-old defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s singles final at Niagara-on-the-Lake to secure the biggest title of her career.
Mandaviya praised Anahat’s achievement as a proud moment for India, while the Sports Authority of India called the victory a landmark moment for the sport.
Anahat’s win ended India’s 21-year wait for a women’s junior finalist since Joshna Chinappa’s 2005 appearance and ended Egypt’s 13-year dominance in the tournament. She also became the first non-Egyptian champion since Amanda Sobhy won the title in 2010.
The victory comes as squash prepares for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Games and is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian players.