India’s Anahat Singh moved one win away from a historic maiden World Junior Squash Championships title after defeating Egypt’s Barb Sameh in the women’s singles semifinal on Friday to become the first Indian in 21 years to reach the final.
The top seed produced a composed performance to overcome the third/fourth seed 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6, ending India’s long wait for a finalist since Joshna Chinappa reached the title clash in 2005.
Anahat made a flying start, racing through the opening game 11-3 with aggressive shot-making and tight control. Sameh responded by taking the second game 11-8 to level the contest, but the Indian quickly regained momentum, dominating the next two games to seal her place in Saturday’s final.
Anahat Singh one win away from creating history
Victory in the final would make the 18-year-old the first Indian ever to win the World Junior Squash Championships women’s singles 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,” Anahat said after the match.
“I didn’t play my best yesterday, and I knew I had to come out today and show what I can do 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 over yet.”
Ruqayya Salem stands between Anahat and the title
Standing between Anahat and a historic crown is Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem, who booked her place in the final with an 11-5, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 victory over compatriot Malika Elkaraksy.
Salem, who failed to qualify for last year’s championships, produced a determined display to reach the biggest match of her junior career.
“I’m speechless right now. I’ve worked so hard for this moment. Not qualifying for the event last year was devastating. 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,” she said.
Zakaria chases third straight men’s World Junior title
In the men’s draw, Egyptian top seed Mohamad Zakaria stayed on course for a third World Junior crown after defeating compatriot Selfeldin Refaay in straight games to reach his fourth consecutive final.
He will take on second seed Adam Hawal, who progressed after Marwan Assal retired injured during their semifinal with Hawal already leading by two games.
The 2026 World Junior Squash Championships finals will be played on Saturday, with Anahat aiming to script history by becoming the first Indian to lift the prestigious women’s singles trophy.