Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has felicitated India’s medallists from the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships, led by women’s singles champion Anahat Singh. The 18-year-old became the first Indian player to win the women’s singles title at the junior world event, held in Canada. Members of India’s bronze medal-winning junior men’s team — Aryaveer Dewan, Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh — were also honoured for their performances.

Anahat secured the historic championship by defeating Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 3-0 in the girls’ singles final last Saturday. The victory marked a major progression from her bronze-medal finish at the 2025 edition in Cairo. The Canadian tournament was her fifth appearance at the World Junior Championships and brought her second individual medal at the competition, reinforcing her position as one of India’s leading young squash players.

During his interaction with the athletes, Mandaviya praised their achievements but encouraged them to regard the results as the beginning of a longer sporting journey. He highlighted major international competitions ahead, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The minister said Anahat’s landmark victory could inspire millions of young Indians to take up squash and pursue the sport competitively.

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Anahat presented Mandaviya with an autographed squash racquet and ball during the felicitation programme. The athletes also participated in informal conversations and photographs with the minister. The recognition extended beyond Anahat’s individual achievement, with the junior men’s team’s bronze medal reflecting India’s growing competitiveness across multiple categories at the world junior level.

The results carry additional significance because squash will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. India’s recent performances at junior competitions could strengthen the country’s preparations for the sport’s introduction to the Olympic programme. Sustained investment in coaching, international exposure and player development will be important as Anahat and other emerging athletes attempt to convert their junior success into medals at senior global events.

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