Anahat Singh Triumphs at British Open Squash U-17, Ends 22-Year Wait
This year, 16-year-old squash player Anahat Singh of India was the top seed player in the under-17 category of the British Open Juniors. But Singh had to go a long way before winning her first title in this category. The Indian players faced three Egyptian players, who have always been the strongest players in squash.
Twenty-two years after Joshna Chinappa created history for India by winning the British Juniors U-17 title, Anahat equalled the feat at the Birmingham University glass court. Anahat won her first two titles in the U-11 and U-15 categories.
With squash set to make its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, it's a good sign that Anahat's career is in a better direction. After the victory, Anahat said in an interview,
"I'm feeling really happy. This is my third win. I lost in three close games last year. I am really happy that I could win this time before going to the higher category."
In the final, Singh defeated Egypt's Malika Elkaraksy 3-2 (4-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3). She made a great comeback twice during the game. Elkaraksy is quite skilled and fearless in her shot-making. Nevertheless, the 16-year-old Indian did not accept losing the final again this year after losing to Egypt's Nadien Elhammamy in the U-17 final last year and came back strong to give Malika a good fight in the final game this year.
Anahat will soon be known as a prodigy in India. Her talent was highlighted with two bronze medals at the Asian Games in 2023, although she will have to make a name for herself on the PSA circuit. Many of India's best squash players have done well in the junior category, although winning the British Open junior category has not been easy.