In a dramatic finale at the British Junior Open squash championship, India’s rising star Anahat Singh came agonizingly close to clinching the girls’ under-17 title but fell short in the final showdown. The 16-year-old prodigy, who has been dominating junior circuits across the globe, faced off against Egypt’s Amina Orfi in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Anahat entered the tournament as the top seed, having showcased flawless form throughout the week at the University of Birmingham. She dismantled opponents with her precise shot-making and relentless court coverage, advancing to the final without dropping a single game in the early rounds. Her semi-final victory over England’s Sarah Jane Raine was a testament to her growing prowess, sealing a 11-6, 11-8, 11-5 win.
The final, however, turned into a battle of endurance and mental fortitude. Orfi, known for her explosive power and tactical acumen, pushed Anahat to five grueling games. Anahat stormed to an early lead, taking the first game 11-9. But Orfi fought back fiercely, leveling the score with an 11-7 win in the second. The third game saw Anahat regain control, edging out 12-10 after a tense deuce.
As fatigue set in, the fourth game slipped away from Anahat, with Orfi dominating 11-5. The decider was a nail-biter, tied at 10-10 before Orfi clinched two crucial points to win 12-10. Anahat’s runner-up finish marks her best performance yet at this prestigious event, building on her previous bronze medal in 2023.
Despite the disappointment, Anahat’s coach, Cyrus Poncha, praised her resilience. ‘She played her heart out; this loss will only make her stronger,’ he said. Anahat, reflecting post-match, added, ‘I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but hungry for that title next time.’ With the Asian Junior Squash Championships looming, this experience promises to fuel her fire. India’s squash fraternity hails her as the future face of the sport, and global eyes are now squarely on her next moves.