Anahat Singh Storms Into World Junior Squash Final After 21 Years

India's Anahat Singh moved within one win of creating history after becoming the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final of the World Squash Junior Championships. The top seed secured her place in the title clash with a four-game victory over Egypt's Barb Sameh, keeping alive her dream of becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious women's junior world title.

Singh defeated the third/fourth seed 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6 in a high-quality semifinal. She dominated the opening game before Sameh fought back to level the contest by claiming the second. However, the Indian quickly regained control, winning the final two games with confident and consistent play to book her place in the championship match.

The achievement makes Singh the first Indian to reach the World Junior Squash Championships final since Joshna Chinappa accomplished the feat in 2005. After the victory, Singh expressed her delight, saying she knew she would have to produce one of her best performances after previously facing Sameh in a closely contested match at the British Junior Open. She also said reaching the final was a proud moment for her parents and coaches but stressed that the tournament was not over.

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Standing between Singh and a historic title is Egypt's second seed Ruqayya Salem. Salem advanced to the final after defeating compatriot Malika Elkaraksy in four games. The Egyptian won the first two games before Elkaraksy mounted a comeback by taking the third, but Salem held her nerve to clinch the fourth game and seal her place in the final.

An emotional Salem said reaching the final was the reward for years of hard work, recalling the disappointment of failing to qualify for last year's championships. She described the opportunity to compete for the title as a special moment and said she hoped to make the most of it after overcoming previous setbacks.

Meanwhile, the men's final will feature an all-Egyptian contest. Top seed Mohamad Zakaria reached his fourth consecutive World Junior final after defeating Selfeldin Refaay in straight games, while second seed Adam Hawal progressed after Marwan Assal retired injured during their semifinal. The championship finals will be played on Saturday, with Singh aiming to script history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championships women's title.

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