Important for UPSC Prelims: Sports | Awards & Honours
Context
- Recently, the Prime Minister congratulated Anahat Singh for winning the Gold Medal at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship.
- With this victory, Anahat Singh became the first Indian squash player to win the World Junior Squash Championship title, marking a historic milestone for Indian squash.
World Junior Squash Championship
The World Junior Squash Championship (WJSC) is the premier international championship for junior squash players, organised annually by the World Squash Federation (WSF).
About
- Organised by: World Squash Federation (WSF)
- Participants: Junior squash players (Under-19 category)
- Events:
- Individual Championship (Boys & Girls)
- Team Championship
- Recognised as the highest international competition in junior squash.
Key Highlights
- Anahat Singh won the Gold Medal in the Girls’ Individual Event.
- Became the first Indian squash player to win the World Junior Championship title.
- The achievement is expected to further popularise squash among the youth, as highlighted by the Prime Minister.
About Squash
Squash is an indoor racket sport played between two players (singles) or four players (doubles) inside a four-walled court.
Key Facts
- Played using a small hollow rubber ball and rackets.
- Players alternately strike the ball against the front wall.
- Governed internationally by the World Squash Federation (WSF).
- Played in over 180 countries worldwide.
World Squash Federation (WSF)
The World Squash Federation (WSF) is the international governing body for the sport of squash.
About
- Founded: 1967
- Headquarters: Hastings, England (United Kingdom)
- Role: Regulates the rules of squash and organises major international competitions.
Squash at the Olympics
- Squash will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games (LA28).
- It has been included as one of the new sports for the Games.
Conclusion
Anahat Singh’s historic victory at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championship is a landmark achievement for Indian sports. It reflects India’s growing excellence in racket sports and is expected to inspire greater participation in squash, particularly with the sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympic Games.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC 1. Squash Game |