New Delhi, Aug 4: Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday felicitated India’s medal winners from the World Junior Squash Championship 2026 and urged the young players to view their recent achievements as the beginning of a longer international sporting journey.The felicitation ceremony in New Delhi recognised women’s singles gold medallist Anahat Singh and members of India’s bronze-winning junior men’s team—Aryaveer Dewan, Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh.
Congratulating the players, Mandaviya said their success reflected the growing strength of Indian squash and encouraged them to continue preparing for major international events, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Eighteen-year-old Anahat created history by becoming the first Indian to win the women’s singles title at the World Junior Squash Championship. She secured the gold medal at the tournament held in Canada last week.The 2026 edition marked Anahat’s fifth appearance at the junior world championship and her second medal at the competition. She had won a bronze medal at the previous edition in Cairo.
The Sports Minister praised her achievement and said the historic victory could encourage more young people across the country to take up squash and pursue the sport at a competitive level.The Indian junior men’s team also delivered a strong performance, with Aryaveer Dewan, Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh contributing to the country’s bronze-medal finish.
The felicitation highlighted the government’s support for emerging athletes and the importance of sustained training and development as young players move towards senior-level competition.India’s recent results at the junior world championship are expected to provide fresh momentum to the country’s squash programme ahead of upcoming continental and global sporting events.
