NEW DELHI: India no. 1 Anahat Singh on Saturday created history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. The 18-year-old defeated Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s final in Ontario on Saturday.“It means the world. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” said Anahat after winning the title. “I have lost in the semis and quarters in the last four years. I always say, when someone asks, ‘This tournament is a curse,’ and I have never played well in the event,” said the Delhi player.Anahat said winning the title in his last junior appearance made the achievement even more special.“This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it.
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It means the world,” added Anahat.He also revealed that his focus before the final is to stay relaxed and enjoy the occasion.“I know that when I’m stressed, I play really hard, so I just go out on the court and my lines are good … I want to enjoy every opportunity to play in a world championship final,” he said.
“A historic moment for Indian squash ‘
Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha described Anahat’s victory as a milestone for the sport in the country.“This is a historic moment for pumpkin in India. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights,” said Poncha.He also recalled the views of the late SRFI patron N. Ramachandran.“(Late) Mr N Ramachandran, patron of SRFI and visionary of the Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events,” Poncha continued.“We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it’s a dream come true. It’s a lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we have the whole country behind him and his achievements in the last few years.