Winning World Junior Squash title means everything to me: Anahat Singh
India No. 1 Anahat Singh described her World Junior Squash Championship triumph in Ontario as a moment that "means the world" after becoming the first Indian to win the title.
India No. 1 Anahat Singh said winning the World Junior Squash Championship "means the world" after becoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious title at the tournament in Ontario, Canada.
The world No. 20 defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9 in the women's singles final on Saturday to script history and end India's long wait for an individual junior world champion.
"It means the world. I still feel like I'm dreaming," Anahat said after lifting the trophy.
The 18-year-old revealed that the tournament had been a source of frustration over the past four years after repeated quarter-final and semi-final exits.
"I've been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I've always said, if anyone's asked, 'This tournament's a curse,' and I've never been able to play well in the event," she said.
The triumph carried extra significance as it came in her final year on the junior circuit.
"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," Anahat added.
The Delhi teenager said she tried not to let the occasion overwhelm her.
"I knew if I'm stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well. I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final," she said.
Anahat, the tournament's top seed, dominated the final against Salem and wrapped up the title in straight games.
Her victory was hailed by Squash Rackets Federation of India secretary-general Cyrus Poncha, who called it a landmark moment for Indian squash.
"It's a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights," Poncha said.
He also recalled the vision of late SRFI patron N Ramachandran, who had long dreamt of seeing an Indian become an individual world champion.
"Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events.
"We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we've had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years."
Anahat's triumph is the biggest achievement of her junior career and marks the end of a successful stint on the junior circuit before she turns her full attention to senior competition.
India No. 1 Anahat Singh said winning the World Junior Squash Championship "means the world" after becoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious title at the tournament in Ontario, Canada.
The world No. 20 defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9 in the women's singles final on Saturday to script history and end India's long wait for an individual junior world champion.
"It means the world. I still feel like I'm dreaming," Anahat said after lifting the trophy.
The 18-year-old revealed that the tournament had been a source of frustration over the past four years after repeated quarter-final and semi-final exits.
"I've been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I've always said, if anyone's asked, 'This tournament's a curse,' and I've never been able to play well in the event," she said.
The triumph carried extra significance as it came in her final year on the junior circuit.
"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," Anahat added.
The Delhi teenager said she tried not to let the occasion overwhelm her.
"I knew if I'm stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well. I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final," she said.
Anahat, the tournament's top seed, dominated the final against Salem and wrapped up the title in straight games.
Her victory was hailed by Squash Rackets Federation of India secretary-general Cyrus Poncha, who called it a landmark moment for Indian squash.
"It's a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights," Poncha said.
He also recalled the vision of late SRFI patron N Ramachandran, who had long dreamt of seeing an Indian become an individual world champion.
"Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events.
"We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we've had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years."
Anahat's triumph is the biggest achievement of her junior career and marks the end of a successful stint on the junior circuit before she turns her full attention to senior competition.
India No. 1 Anahat Singh said winning the World Junior Squash Championship "means the world" after becoming the first Indian to claim the prestigious title at the tournament in Ontario, Canada.
The world No. 20 defeated Egypt's Ruqayya Salem 11-3, 11-7, and 11-9 in the women's singles final on Saturday to script history and end India's long wait for an individual junior world champion.
"It means the world. I still feel like I'm dreaming," Anahat said after lifting the trophy.
The 18-year-old revealed that the tournament had been a source of frustration over the past four years after repeated quarter-final and semi-final exits.
"I've been losing in the semis and quarters over the last four years. I've always said, if anyone's asked, 'This tournament's a curse,' and I've never been able to play well in the event," she said.
The triumph carried extra significance as it came in her final year on the junior circuit.
"This is my last year (as a junior) and my only chance to win it. It means the world," Anahat added.
The Delhi teenager said she tried not to let the occasion overwhelm her.
"I knew if I'm stressed, I play terribly, so I just came out on court and hit my lines well. I wanted to enjoy every moment of getting to play in a world championship final," she said.
Anahat, the tournament's top seed, dominated the final against Salem and wrapped up the title in straight games.
Her victory was hailed by Squash Rackets Federation of India secretary-general Cyrus Poncha, who called it a landmark moment for Indian squash.
"It's a historic moment for Indian squash. Anahat has the potential to reach great heights," Poncha said.
He also recalled the vision of late SRFI patron N Ramachandran, who had long dreamt of seeing an Indian become an individual world champion.
"Mr N Ramachandran, SRFI patron and visionary of Indian Squash Academy, always said it was his dream that India produce a world champion in individual events.
"We achieved it in doubles, but to replicate that success in singles, it is really a dream come true. A lot of hard work and effort by Anahat, of course, but we've had the entire nation behind her and her successes over the last few years."
Anahat's triumph is the biggest achievement of her junior career and marks the end of a successful stint on the junior circuit before she turns her full attention to senior competition.
