India’s Anahat Singh Makes History as World Junior Finalists Are Set

After five exciting days of squash featuring incredible comebacks, thrilling rallies and history-making moments, the finalists at the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships have been confirmed.

Among the day’s action, Anahat Singh etched her name into Indian squash history by becoming the country’s first player since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the World Junior final.

Singh, who has been dominant throughout the tournament in her pursuit of her first world title, continued where she left off, claiming the opening game 11-3.

Despite taking the lead in the opener, her advantage was short-lived as Bar Sameh fought back to claim the second game 11-8.

However, Singh rose above the pressure from the 3/4 seed, powering through the next two games 11-4, 11-6 to move one step closer to becoming the first Indian player to win the World Junior 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,” Singh said after her match.

“I didn’t play my best yesterday and I knew I had to come out today and show what I’m capable of producing 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 done yet.”

Following her victory, India’s No.1 seed will face Egypt’s No.2 seed Ruqayya Salem, who overcame compatriot Malika Elkaraksy [3/4] to reach the final.

After failing to qualify for last year’s event, Salem made the quicker start, stamping her authority on the contest by taking the opening two games 11-5, 11-9.

That advantage was halved as the 15-year-old Elkaraksy responded impressively to claim the third game and pile the pressure on the No.2 seed.

However, Salem held her nerve, winning a tightly contested fourth game to book her place in tomorrow’s final, winning the final game 11-9.

After the contest, an emotional Salem said: “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.”

Meanwhile, in the men’s draw, Egypt’s No.1 seed Mohamad Zakaria continued his pursuit of a third World Junior title by defeating compatriot Selfeldin Refaay [3/4] in straight games.

Reaching his fourth consecutive World Junior final, the two-time champion will face fellow Egyptian and No.2 seed Adam Hawal, who reached his first World Junior final after Marwan Assal retired during the third game of their semi-final.

Leading the match 2-0, Hawal advanced to tomorrow’s final after Assal was forced to retire in the third game before the match could be completed.

Following the match, Hawal expressed his sympathy for the injured Assal. He said: “I’m gutted that Marwan couldn’t continue the match. We were playing some quality squash.

“He was playing very, very well and I just had to shut down everything that he does well. But yeah, I’m just gutted and I wish him a speedy recovery. He’s an amazing player and we’ve been friends since we were young.

“I’m over the moon to progress, but it’s not the best way to win a match.”

The finals of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships take place tomorrow, 25 July, with play beginning at 13:00 (GMT-4).

Action from the all-glass court will be streamed live on WORLDSQUASH.TV.

World Squash Junior Individual Championships – Semi-Final Women’s Results 

[1] Anahat Singh (IND)  bt [3/4] Barb Sameh (EGY)

3-1: 11-3, 8-11, 11-4, 11-6

[2] Ruqayya Salem (EGY) bt [3/4] Malika Elkaraksy (EGY)

3-1: 11-5, 11-9, 4-11, 11-9

World Squash Junior Individual Championships – Semi-Final Men’s Results 

[1] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) bt [3/4] Seif Refaay (EGY)

3-0: 11-6, 11-5, 11-6

[2] Adam Hawal (EGY) bt [3/4] Marwan Assal (EGY)

3-0: 11-7, 11-7, 3-1 (ret.)

World Squash Junior Individual Championships – Final Women’s Draw – (GMT-4)

13:00 – [1] Anahat Singh (IND) v [2] Ruqayya Salem (EGY)

World Squash Junior Individual Championships – Final Men’s Draw – (GMT-4)

14:00 – [1] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) v [2] Adam Hawal (EGY)

Click here to view all the results from Day 5

Click here to view the full schedule for Day 6

For the latest World Squash news, follow World Squash on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) or subscribe to the World Squash Newsletter.