India's top squash player, Anahat Singh, expressed her joy after winning the World Junior Squash Championship. She called this victory a dream come true. The 18-year-old made history by beating Egypt's Rukayya Salem in straight games in the women's singles final held in Ontario, becoming the first Indian to win this title.
World number 20 Anahat defeated Rukayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the final. After the victory, she said, "This means a lot to me." I still feel like I'm dreaming." The young Delhi player explained that for the past four years, she had consistently lost in the semifinals and quarterfinals of this tournament. She said, "If anyone asked me, I would jokingly say that this tournament is a curse for me because I could never perform well here."
This victory was also special for Anahat because it was her last year in the junior circuit. She said, "This was my last chance at the junior level. So, winning the title this time is very special for me." She explained that she didn't put pressure on herself while entering the final. Her goal was simply to enjoy the match. She said, "I knew that if I remained stressed, I wouldn't be able to play well. So, I enjoyed every shot and tried to live every moment of the World Championship final."
Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary General Cyrus Poncha described Anahat's achievement as the greatest moment in Indian squash history. He said that the late N. Ramachandran's dream was for India to produce world champions in individual events, and Anahat has fulfilled that dream. Poncha said this success is not only the result of Anahat's hard work, but also the support he has received from his family, coaches, and the Indian squash community over the years. Anahat's historic victory marks the beginning of a new era for Indian squash, and he will be expected to continue his impressive performances at the senior level in the years to come.
India's top squash player, Anahat Singh, expressed her joy after winning the World Junior Squash Championship. She called this victory a dream come true. The 18-year-old made history by beating Egypt's Rukayya Salem in straight games in the women's singles final held in Ontario, becoming the first Indian to win this title.
World number 20 Anahat defeated Rukayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the final. After the victory, she said, "This means a lot to me." I still feel like I'm dreaming." The young Delhi player explained that for the past four years, she had consistently lost in the semifinals and quarterfinals of this tournament. She said, "If anyone asked me, I would jokingly say that this tournament is a curse for me because I could never perform well here."
This victory was also special for Anahat because it was her last year in the junior circuit. She said, "This was my last chance at the junior level. So, winning the title this time is very special for me." She explained that she didn't put pressure on herself while entering the final. Her goal was simply to enjoy the match. She said, "I knew that if I remained stressed, I wouldn't be able to play well. So, I enjoyed every shot and tried to live every moment of the World Championship final."
Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) Secretary General Cyrus Poncha described Anahat's achievement as the greatest moment in Indian squash history. He said that the late N. Ramachandran's dream was for India to produce world champions in individual events, and Anahat has fulfilled that dream. Poncha said this success is not only the result of Anahat's hard work, but also the support he has received from his family, coaches, and the Indian squash community over the years. Anahat's historic victory marks the beginning of a new era for Indian squash, and he will be expected to continue his impressive performances at the senior level in the years to come.