Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh clinched a historic bronze medal at the 2025 World Junior Squash Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. At just 17 years old, she became the first Indian girl in 15 years to reach the semifinals and win an individual medal at this prestigious under-19 event, ending a long wait since Dipika Pallikal’s bronze in 2010.

Despite her semifinal loss to Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy in a closely contested 0-3 match, Anahat’s journey included a significant quarterfinal victory against local favourite Malika Elkaraksy. Celebrated by Indian squash officials, her medal is being hailed as a strong indicator of India’s rising stature in the global squash arena.

Anahat Singh’s Remarkable Journey and Tournament Performance

Seeded second in the tournament, Anahat Singh’s performance demonstrated a blend of skill, determination, and maturity beyond her years. Competing at the Black Ball Sporting Club — a renowned venue famous for hosting top squash talents — Anahat maintained composure during a tightly fought semifinal against Nadien Elhammamy. Although she lost the match with scores of 6-11, 12-14, and 10-12, Anahat’s ability to hold leads and fight point by point earned her praise from coaches, commentators, and fans alike.

Before this stage, Anahat had defeated Egypt’s Malika Elkaraksy in the quarterfinals, a match that marked a breakthrough after three consecutive years of quarterfinal exits at the World Juniors. “Reaching the semifinals and winning a medal is a dream come true,” Anahat shared after the match. Highlighting her international track record, Anahat is ranked 54th worldwide in the professional circuit and holds the U19 Asian girls’ championship title. She has also won several senior Asian and PSA Challenger titles, underscoring her rising trajectory.

Historical Context: Ending India’s 15-Year Medal Drought

Anahat’s medal is not just a personal triumph but signifies a turning point in Indian squash history. India’s last individual medal at the World Junior Squash Championships came in 2010 when Dipika Pallikal won bronze. Between then and now, Indian women players like Joshna Chinappa came close to winning medals but narrowly missed the podium. The current 2025 Championship welcomed 234 players from across the globe, with India fielding a robust group of twelve players—six men and six women—reflecting a deepening talent pool.

This success takes on added significance with squash’s impending inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, signalling new horizons for Indian athletes on the sport’s most significant global stage. The Indian squash ecosystem has evolved substantially, with increased investment in coaching, infrastructure, and international exposure helping young talents like Anahat break through longstanding barriers.

Officials’ Reactions and Celebrations

Indian squash officials expressed immense pride in Anahat’s achievement. President of Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI), Chiragh Kumar, described the bronze medal as “a landmark moment for Indian squash and motivation for aspiring youngsters.” He reiterated the federation’s commitment to expanding grassroots programmes and providing comprehensive athlete support.

Coaches highlighted Anahat’s discipline and mental toughness as key strengths. “Her performance is a result of years of hard work and strategic planning. This is just the beginning,” said her head coach Rohan Kumar. The broader Indian sports fraternity congratulated her efforts, reinforcing the importance of nurturing talent in sports beyond cricket.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Anahat Singh’s historic success is a powerful reminder of how resilience, passion, and collective support can drive Indian sporting talent to international breakthroughs. The Logical Indian celebrates this milestone as more than just a medal; it reflects the potential for diverse sports disciplines to flourish if given attention, encouragement, and resources. Her journey inspires us to foster a culture of inclusivity and opportunity in Indian sports, where every young athlete can dream big regardless of their background.

As we applaud Anahat’s achievement, The Logical Indian invites readers to engage in reflection and dialogue: How can society, institutions, and communities work together to support young athletes across various sports.