In a remarkable display of grit, determination, and sheer talent, India’s rising squash star Anahat Singh has scripted history by winning a bronze medal at the prestigious World Junior Squash Championships 2025, held in Cairo, Egypt. Her triumph marks a watershed moment for Indian squash, as it ends a 15-year-long medal drought in the women’s singles event at the junior worlds – the last medal having been secured by Dipika Pallikal back in 2010.
Anahat, a 17-year-old athlete from Delhi, put up a fierce fight throughout the tournament, ultimately bowing out in the semi-finals to Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy. The nail-biting match saw Anahat narrowly lose in three tightly contested games: 11-6, 14-12, 12-10. Despite the loss, her performance earned her a well-deserved bronze medal, and more importantly, reinstated India’s presence on the global junior squash stage.
A Journey Marked by Persistence
Anahat’s medal is not merely a personal victory but a symbolic moment for Indian squash. Over the past three years, she had consistently reached the quarter-finals of the World Junior Championships, only to be edged out each time by an Egyptian opponent. For a young player, these repeated setbacks could have been disheartening – but for Anahat, they became stepping stones.
This year, she was seeded second in the tournament, a testament to her consistent performances on the junior circuit. In the quarter-finals, she showcased her form and composure by defeating Egypt’s Malika Elkaraksy in straight games: 11-6, 13-11, 11-5, a result that not only took her into her maiden semi-final but also broke her long-standing quarter-final jinx.
A Moment of National Pride
Anahat’s achievement has reignited hopes for the future of Indian squash. With the sport still fighting for broader recognition in the country, accomplishments like hers provide inspiration and visibility, particularly for young girls dreaming of a career in racket sports.
The bronze medal win places Anahat in elite company, alongside legends like Dipika Pallikal, who had blazed the trail for Indian women in squash. The similarities between the two – in terms of early promise, international impact, and breaking barriers – are striking. Anahat, however, is forging a path uniquely her own, characterised by resilience, maturity, and unrelenting passion for the sport.
Looking Ahead
With this breakthrough, Anahat Singh has undoubtedly solidified her place as one of the brightest young talents in the global squash arena. The experience and exposure gained in Cairo will be invaluable as she transitions to senior-level competition in the coming years.
Moreover, her success is a clarion call to India’s sporting fraternity: to invest more deeply in squash infrastructure, coaching, and international exposure for juniors. If nurtured well, Anahat could go on to replicate – and perhaps even surpass – the feats of her predecessors on the senior world stage.
Final Word
Anahat Singh’s bronze medal at the World Junior Squash Championships 2025 is not just a personal accolade, but a national celebration. In a sport long dominated by Egypt, her performance stands tall, reminding us that with persistence and passion, Indian athletes can challenge the very best.
Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of many more podium finishes for Anahat – and for Indian squash.
The Momma Clan 
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