Published: July 25, 2026 at 5:49 pm
Anahat Singh became the second Indian to reach the final of the World Squash Junior Championships. Anahat is the first player since Joshna Chinappa made the final in 2005.
Singh, who has been dominant throughout the tournament in her pursuit of her first world title, continued where she left off as she got the better of Egyptian Barb Sameh 3-1 in the semifinals at Ontario, Canada.
The Indian began well by claiming the opening game 11-3. Despite taking the lead in the opener, her advantage was short-lived as Bar Sameh fought back to claim the second game 11-8.
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, Anahat Singh said. Pics: PSA Squash Tour
However, Singh rose above the pressure from the 3/4 seed, powering through the next two games 11-4, 11-6 to move one step closer to becoming the first Indian player to win the World Junior title.
“I’m really happy. 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,” Singh said after her match.
“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,” Anahat said.
Anahat to meet Ruqayya in final
Anahat will face Egypt’s No.2 seed Ruqayya Salem, who overcame compatriot Malika Elkaraksy (3/4) 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 and pile the pressure on the No.2 seed.
Anahat Singh will face Egypt’s No.2 seed Ruqayya Salem, who overcame compatriot Malika Elkaraksy to reach the final
However, Salem held her nerve, winning a tightly contested fourth game to book her place in tomorrow’s final, winning the final game 11-9.
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.
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“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.”
Zakaria vs Hawal in men’s final
Meanwhile, in the men’s draw, Egypt’s No.1 seed Mohamad Zakaria continued his pursuit of a third World Junior title by defeating compatriot Selfeldin Refaay [3/4] in straight games.
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 semifinal.
Leading the match 2-0, Hawal advanced to the final after Assal was forced to retire in the third game before the match could be completed.
Mohamad Zakaria (right) in action against Seif Refaav during their semifinal match
Following the match, Hawal expressed his sympathy for the injured Assal. He said: “I’m gutted that Marwan couldn’t continue the match. 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.”
Results (semifinals): Women: 1-Anahat Singh (IND) beat 3/4-Barb Sameh (EGY) 3-1 (11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6); 2-Ruqayya Salem (EGY) beat 3/4-Malika Elkaraksy (EGY) 3-1 (11-5, 11-9, 4-11, 11-9).
Men: 1-Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) beat 3/4-Seif Refaay (EGY) 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-6); 2-Adam Hawal (EGY) beat 3/4-Marwan Assal (EGY) 3-0 (11-7, 11-7, 3-1 retd).
