New Cairo, Egypt – Indian squash prodigy Anahat Singh has clinched her maiden World Junior Squash Championships medal, securing a bronze after a hard-fought semifinal loss to Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy on Friday, July 25, 2025, in New Cairo.1 The 17-year-old put up a valiant fight, pushing her Egyptian opponent in a match that ultimately ended 0-3 (6-11, 10-12, 10-12).
Semifinal Battle and Egyptian Resilience
Anahat faced a tough challenge from Elhammamy, particularly in the crucial second and third games. After losing the first game 6-11, the young Indian rallied impressively in the second, establishing a lead and reaching five game balls. However, Elhammamy showcased incredible resilience, saving all five to take the game 12-10, thereby gaining a commanding 2-0 lead.
The third game saw a similar display of determination from Anahat, who once again held a strong advantage, leading 10-7. Yet again, the Egyptian clawed her way back, winning five consecutive points to seal the game 12-10 and clinch the match, denying Anahat a spot in the final.
A Breakthrough Performance
Despite the semifinal loss, the bronze medal marks a significant achievement for Anahat Singh, who expressed her delight after her quarterfinal victory. In the quarterfinals, Anahat defeated another Egyptian, Malika Elkaraksy, with a convincing 11-6, 13-11, 11-5 scoreline.
“I’m really, really happy right now. The World Juniors is something really special to me, but I’d lost in the quarters for three years in a row and I’m really glad I was able to reach the semi-finals this time,” she said, acknowledging her breakthrough beyond the quarterfinal stage. “Egyptians are dominating right now, and even though [Elkaraksy] is still really young, she’s such a good player.”
Anahat’s Stellar 2024-25 Season
Anahat’s bronze at the World Juniors adds to an already impressive and busy season:
- Asian Junior Individual Championships (Earlier this month): Gold medal in the Girls Under-19 category.
- Asian Squash Doubles Championships (June): Partnered with Joshna Chinappa to clinch gold in the women’s doubles event.
- Senior World Championships Debut (May): Made her senior World Championships debut, defeating USA’s Marina Stefanoni in the first round before bowing out in the second round to Egypt’s Fayrouz Aboelkheir.
- PSA Awards 2024-25: Bagged two prestigious awards:
- Women’s Challenger Player of the Season.
- Shared the Women’s Young Player of the Season title with Amina Orfi of Egypt.
Anahat Singh’s consistent performances across junior and senior events, culminating in a World Junior medal and significant PSA accolades, firmly establish her as one of the brightest prospects in Indian squash.
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