India's Anahat Singh Eyes Squash History At World Juniors In Canada

Anahat Singh is one win away from Squash history in Canada after reaching the women's final of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships at White Oaks Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The first Indian to reach the final since Joshna Chinappa in 2005, top-seeded Singh will face Egypt's No.2 seed Ruqayya Salem in a bid to become her country's first ever World squash champion.

Singh, who has been dominant throughout the tournament in her pursuit of her first world title claimed the opening game in her semi-final against Barb Sameh 11-3.

Despite taking the lead in the opener, her advantage was short-lived as the Egyptian fought back to take the second game 11-8.

However, Singh rose above the pressure from the 3/4 seed, powering through the next two games 11-4, 11-6 to move within touching distance of becoming the first Indian player to win the World Junior title.

"I'm really happy," said the 18-year-old from New Delhi after her match. "I played Barb a few months ago at the British Junior Open and it was a close match like this, so I knew I'd have to play really well.

"I didn't play my best yesterday and I knew I had to come out today and show what I'm capable of producing on court.

"I've played in four World Juniors and lost in the quarters and semis, so reaching the final has made my parents and coaches really happy, but the tournament's not done yet."

Following her victory, the Indian favourite will face Ruqayya Salem, after the second seed overcame compatriot Malika Elkaraksy to reach the final.

After failing to qualify for last year's event, Salem made the quicker start, stamping her authority on the contest by taking the opening two games 11-5, 11-9.

That advantage was halved as the 15-year-old Elkaraksy responded impressively to claim the third game 11-4, piling pressure on the No.2 seed.

However, Salem held her nerve, winning a tightly contested fourth game, 11-9, to book her place in the final.

After the contest, an emotional Salem said: "I'm speechless right now. I've worked so hard for this moment. Not qualifying for the event last year was devastating.

"I knew coming into this event that I wanted to make that pain worth it. I'm so happy to make it to the final."

Meanwhile, in the men's draw, Egypt's No.1 seed Mohamad Zakaria continued his pursuit of a men's record third World Junior title by defeating compatriot Selfeldin Refaay in straight games, winning 11-6, 11-5, 11-6.

Reaching his fourth consecutive World Junior final, the two-time champion will face fellow Egyptian and No.2 seed Adam Hawal, who reached his first World Junior final after Marwan Assal retired during the third game of their semi-final.

Following the match, Hawal expressed his sympathy for the injured Assal. "I'm gutted that Marwan couldn't continue the match," said Hawal. "We were playing some quality squash.

"He was playing very, very well and I just had to shut down everything that he does well. But yeah, I'm just gutted and I wish him a speedy recovery. He's an amazing player and we've been friends since we were young.

"I'm over the moon to progress, but it's not the best way to win a match."