New Delhi, 26 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated Indian squash player Anahat Singh on winning the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship, describing her achievement as a proud moment in the history of Indian sport.

At the championship held in Canada, Anahat defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in straight games in the women's singles final to clinch the gold medal.

With this historic victory, the 18-year-old Anahat became the first Indian player to win the World Junior Squash Championship. She also ended Egypt's dominance in the tournament, which had continued for nearly 15 years.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote, A historic achievement at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the gold medal and becoming the first Indian squash player to claim the World Junior Championship title. This achievement will further popularise squash among the youth.

Earlier, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated Anahat through a post on X, writing, History has been created. Congratulations to Anahat Singh on becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship. This is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for every Indian.

Anahat had won the bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals of the same championship last year. This year, she took her performance a step further by defeating Ruqayya Salem in the final to capture the coveted title.

The triumph marks a new chapter in the history of Indian squash and is regarded as one of the sport's most significant milestones for the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar