Anahat Singh Becomes World Champion: Emotional Champion Says, ‘This Is Nothing Short of a Dream’

India's top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem in straight games 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women's singles final in Ontario, delivering one of the biggest achievements in Indian squash.

'It Still Feels Like a Dream,' Says Anahat Singh

Following her historic triumph, an emotional Anahat described the victory as a dream come true.

"This means so much to me. It still feels like I am dreaming," she said after lifting the coveted world title.

The world No. 20 revealed that she had struggled in the tournament over the past four years, repeatedly falling short in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

"I used to joke that this tournament was cursed for me because I could never perform well here," Anahat admitted.

Perfect Farewell to Her Junior Career

The championship carried extra significance as it marked Anahat Singh's final appearance on the junior circuit.

She explained that instead of feeling pressured, she focused on enjoying every moment of the final.

"This was my last opportunity at the junior level. I didn't want to put pressure on myself. I just wanted to enjoy every point and every moment of the World Championship final."

Her fearless approach helped her dominate the match and secure one of the biggest victories of her career.

A Historic Milestone for Indian Squash

Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary General Cyrus Poncha hailed Anahat's achievement as a landmark moment for the sport in the country.

According to Poncha, the late N. Ramachandran had long envisioned an Indian becoming an individual world champion in squash, and Anahat has now fulfilled that dream.

He credited her remarkable success to years of dedication, along with unwavering support from her family, coaches, and the Indian squash community.

A New Era Begins

Anahat Singh's historic World Junior Championship victory is being celebrated as the beginning of a new chapter for Indian squash. With this milestone achieved, expectations are now high for the young star to continue her impressive rise and deliver similar success on the senior international stage.