Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated teenage squash star Anahat Singh for creating history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Squash Championship, describing the achievement as a landmark moment for Indian sports and expressing hope that it would encourage more youngsters to embrace the game.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister lauded the 18-year-old's achievement, saying, “A historic feat at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship. Proud of Anahat Singh for winning the gold medal and becoming the first Indian squash player ever to win the World Junior Championship title. This accomplishment will further popularise squash among the youth.”
Anahat secured the prestigious title with a commanding straight-game victory over Egypt’s second seed Ruqayya Salem, winning 11-3, 11-7, 11-9 in the women’s singles final.
Competing as the tournament’s top seed, the young Indian remained unbeaten throughout the championship and capped her campaign with a dominant display in the final. Her victory also ended Egypt’s 15-year reign in the women’s event, making Anahat the first non-Egyptian champion since American Amanda Sobhy claimed the title in 2010.
The title adds another remarkable chapter to Anahat’s growing list of achievements. Regarded as one of India’s most promising squash players, she had already won two bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Games at the age of 15 and has represented the country at the Commonwealth Games.
During the latest edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi also celebrated the recent accomplishments of Indian athletes across different sports.
He highlighted ace badminton player PV Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title, saying the entire nation was proud of her achievement.
The Prime Minister also applauded the Indian women’s cricket team for scripting history with their maiden Test victory at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where they defeated England by a commanding 270 runs.
Calling it a memorable milestone, Modi noted that it was the first-ever women’s Test played at Lord’s and recalled the historic significance of the venue, where India lifted its first men's Cricket World Cup in 1983.
He said the latest triumph by the women’s team had once again brought pride to the country, with India's 'Nari Shakti' adding another glorious chapter to the nation's sporting history.
India’s emphatic victory at Lord’s marked the team’s first Test win at the historic venue and further showcased the steady growth of Indian women’s cricket on the international stage.