Squash fans worldwide witnessed a thriller at the British Junior Open as India’s Anahat Singh narrowly missed out on the girls’ under-17 crown, losing a pulsating final to Egypt’s Amina Orfi. The 16-year-old from Mumbai, tipped as a medal contender, displayed champion quality before heartbreak struck in the fifth game.
The tournament in Birmingham was Anahat’s stage to shine. As the defending bronze medalist, she arrived with momentum from recent victories in the USA and Europe. Her campaign kicked off with routine wins, conserving energy for the business end. The quarter-finals saw her outclass Malaysia’s Rachel Arnold 11-5, 11-7, 11-9, while the semis against local hope Charlotte Forster ended 11-8, 11-6, 11-4.
Final day brought the ultimate test. Orfi, the reigning champion, started cautiously, but Anahat’s agility won the first game 11-9. Orfi unleashed her arsenal in the second, clinching 11-7. Anahat’s precision shone in the third, a 12-10 squeaker. The fourth game turned on unforced errors, handing Orfi an 11-5 lead.
In the decider, both players traded blows in a 20-minute marathon. Leading 10-9, Anahat faltered under pressure, allowing Orfi to level and then seal 12-10. Silver gleams bright for Anahat, who becomes the first Indian girl to reach this final since Joshna Chinappa’s era.
Post-match analysis reveals Anahat’s improved fitness and strategy, key for senior transitions. Squash legend Saurav Goshal noted, ‘This is the making of a world champion.’ With the World Juniors in Melbourne approaching, Anahat’s resolve hardens. Her story inspires a new generation, proving Indian squash’s global ascent.