India’s teenage squash prodigy Anahat Singh has finally secured her elusive first medal at the World Junior Championships, breaking her long-standing quarterfinal jinx.
The Breakthrough Moment
Anahat Singh, India’s rising squash sensation, has ended her wait for a World Junior Championships medal. She clinched her spot on the podium by defeating Egypt’s Mallika Elkaraksy in a thrilling quarterfinal match in New Cairo.
This significant victory, a commanding 11-6, 13-11, 11-5, marks her as the first Indian female World Junior Championships semi-finalist since 2010. Despite being pushed, especially in a tight second game, Anahat maintained her impressive run of not dropping a single game throughout the tournament.
A Determined Path to the Semifinals
Anahat’s journey to the semifinals has been nothing short of dominant. After receiving a bye in the opening round, she smoothly defeated Canada’s Joelle Kim in the round of 64.
She continued her impressive form by overcoming France’s Ines Guyot and Brazil’s Laura Da Silva in subsequent rounds. Her consistent, powerful play ensured she reached the quarterfinals relatively unchallenged, setting the stage for her breakthrough win against the formidable Egyptian opponent.
A Champion’s Mindset: Aiming for Gold
Earlier this year, Anahat had made her ambitions for the World Juniors clear. She revealed to The Indian Express that her mindset was firmly set on winning the title, rather than just settling for a medal.
“I need to turn those quarterfinal finishes into a win. This time I am going into the tournament aiming to win,” she stated. Her mentor, Indian squash legend Saurav Ghosal, expressed his full approval, saying, “I am glad she is thinking that way.”
Facing the Egyptian Challenge
Anahat’s next hurdle will be another familiar Egyptian opponent, Nadien Elhammamy. This highly anticipated semifinal is a rematch, as Elhammamy was the player who ended Anahat’s run in the quarterfinals of the 2024 edition.
However, Anahat had previously beaten Elhammamy in the round of 16 in 2023, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming clash. Playing against Egyptian athletes is often considered the ultimate test in squash, given their global dominance in the sport.
“Egyptians are dominating right now, so every tournament is like this where I’m always playing Egyptians,” Anahat shared with Squash TV. “But she’s just another opponent for me, it doesn’t really matter which country she’s from.”
Transitioning to the Senior Circuit
Beyond junior competitions, Anahat has also begun her transition into the senior Professional Squash Association (PSA) circuit. This move presents a distinct set of challenges and valuable learning experiences for the young athlete.
She notes a significant difference in pressure and expectations between the two levels. “When I’m playing a junior tournament, I expect a lot from myself,” she explained. “When I’m playing seniors, it’s more of just going in and playing my best because most of the people playing are better than me.” She views this adaptation as a crucial part of her development, learning to navigate and overcome new pressures.
- Anahat Singh clinched her first World Junior Championships medal, reaching the semifinals.
- She is the first Indian female WJC semi-finalist since 2010.
- Anahat has not dropped a single game on her path to the semifinals.
- Her ultimate goal for the tournament is to win the title, not just a medal.
- She will face Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy in a highly anticipated semifinal rematch.
Anahat’s journey continues to inspire, showcasing her resilience and ambition as she strives for gold on the global squash stage.
