New Delhi, 04 August (H.S.): Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday felicitated Indian players and the team that won medals at the World Junior Squash Championships 2026. The ceremony honoured women's singles gold medallist Anahat Singh and members of the Indian junior men's team — Aryaveer Devan, Yusha Nafees, and Gurveer Singh — who secured a bronze medal.

Eighteen-year-old Anahat Singh created history last week by winning the women's singles title at the World Junior Squash Championships held in Canada. She became the first Indian player to win a gold medal in the world junior women's singles category at the prestigious tournament. This was her fifth appearance at the championship and her second medal at the World Junior Championships. Earlier, she had won a bronze medal in Cairo in 2025.

Interacting with the players during the felicitation ceremony, Dr Mandaviya advised them to consider their recent success as the beginning of a longer journey. He said their next major targets should be the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Praising Anahat Singh's historic achievement, Dr Mandaviya said her gold medal would inspire millions of young Indians to take up squash as a sport.

On the occasion, Anahat Singh presented a signed squash racket and squash ball to the Sports Minister. During the ceremony, the players also clicked selfies with Dr Mandaviya and engaged in informal conversations, creating a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere at the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar