India’s teen sensation Anahat Singh created history in the National Squash Championships on Thursday, 23rd November. The 15-year old became the youngest national champion in 23 years as her opponent Tanvi Khanna was forced to retire due to injury from the Women’s singles final.
In the Women’s Singles final, Anahat Singh lost the opening game 9-11. In the second game, she was leading 6-4. 27-year old Tanvi Khanna however suffered an injury and fell down holding her right knee at the Indian Squash Academy. She soon conceded the game handing over the victory to Anahat Singh.
With the win, Anahat Singh became the second-youngest National Squash champion. Joshana Chinnappa holds the record for the youngest-ever champion in the tournament. She won the title way back in 2000 at the age of 14.
Senthilkumar bags men’s singles title
Meanwhile Velavan Senthilkumar was crowned as the National champion in Men’s singles. Velavan defeated the defending champion Abhay Singh 12-10, 11-3, 12-10.
It was Velavan Senthilkumar’s maiden National title. In the match Abhay gave a tough fight. The first and the third sets were neck-to-neck. Abhay saved a game point in the first game, but Velavan managed to grab the game.
In the second game, Velavan was down by two game points. The Tamil Nadu youngster yet again fought back and clinched the match.