India women fall 1-2 to Malaysia at World Junior Squash Championships, must beat South Africa
Synopsis
India's women squash team came agonisingly close against Malaysia — Anika Dubey fought back from 10-7 down in the fifth game before Ye San Lee held her nerve to seal a 1-2 defeat. With Anahat Singh winning the dead rubber in straight games, India's fate now rests on a must-win final group clash against South Africa.
Key Takeaways
India women lost 1-2 to Malaysia at the World Squash Junior Team Championships in Ontario, Canada on 28 July .
Rudra Singh lost to Harleein Tan 5-11, 4-11, 6-11 in the opening rubber.
Anika Dubey pushed Ye San Lee to five games before losing 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9 — the decisive rubber.
Anahat Singh won the dead rubber over Whitney Wilson 11-2, 11-4, 11-5 .
India women must beat South Africa in their final group match to advance to the knockout stage.
India men are drawn to face No.11 seeds Kuwait in the pre-quarterfinals.
The Indian women's squash team suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat against Malaysia in the World Squash Junior Team Championships on 28 July at Ontario, Canada, leaving them needing a win over South Africa in their final group match to advance to the knockout stage.
How the Tie Unfolded
Rudra Singh opened proceedings but was outplayed by Harleein Tan, going down 5-11, 4-11, 6-11 in straight games to hand Malaysia an early lead. The match then shifted to the second rubber, where the fate of the tie would ultimately be decided.
Anika Dubey pushed higher-ranked Ye San Lee to the limit in a gripping five-game contest. After sharing the opening three games — with Lee leading 2-1 — Dubey mounted a remarkable fightback from 10-7 down in the fourth game to level at 2-2 and force a deciding fifth. Lee, however, held her nerve to clinch the decider 11-9, sealing a 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 10-12, 11-9 victory and drawing a huge roar from the Malaysian bench. With that result, Malaysia took the tie 2-0 with one match still to play.
Anahat Singh Wins, But Too Late
With the tie already decided, India's top-ranked player Anahat Singh took to the court for the third rubber and delivered a commanding straight-games victory over Whitney Wilson, winning 11-2, 11-4, 11-5. The win was comprehensive but came too late to alter the scoreline.
India Men Face Kuwait in Pre-Quarterfinals
On the men's side, the Indian men's team has been drawn to face Kuwait in the pre-quarterfinals. Seeded No.11, Kuwait progressed to the Round of 16 following a strong win over Chinese Taipei. India will need to be at their best to overcome a side that has shown form in the group stage.
Other Notable Results
Elsewhere in the men's draw, No.19 seeds Hong Kong, China produced one of the standout performances of the day, staging a stunning comeback to defeat No.14 seeds South Africa and claim second place in Group 3 at White Oaks Resort and Spa. After Joseph Feast gave South Africa the lead with a remarkable two-games-down comeback over Ting To Brogan Cheng, Hong Kong, China levelled through Pak To Lau before Long Hin Larry Wong sealed the tie in straight games against Juan-Corné Brand.
Hosts Canada booked their knockout-stage berth with a comfortable win over Macau, China. Germany secured second place in Group One with a straight-games win over New Zealand, while No.13 seeds Australia confirmed their place in the Round of 16 by defeating No.20 seeds Mexico.
India's women now face a must-win clash against South Africa, with qualification hanging in the balance.
Point of View
Not just extend them. The must-win against South Africa is now a genuine test of mental resilience, not just technical ability.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Malaysia in the World Junior Squash Championships?
India's women's team lost 1-2 to Malaysia on 28 July at the World Squash Junior Team Championships in Ontario, Canada. Rudra Singh lost in straight games, Anika Dubey lost a five-game thriller, and Anahat Singh won the dead rubber.
What must India do to advance from the group stage?
India's women must win their final group match against South Africa to progress to the knockout stage. The 1-2 defeat to Malaysia means they cannot afford another loss.
How did Anahat Singh perform against Malaysia?
Anahat Singh won her rubber convincingly, defeating Whitney Wilson 11-2, 11-4, 11-5 in straight games. However, the tie had already been decided in Malaysia's favour before she took the court.
What happened in the Anika Dubey vs Ye San Lee match?
Anika Dubey and Ye San Lee played a five-game thriller, with Dubey fighting back from 10-7 down in the fourth game to level at 2-2. Lee ultimately won the deciding fifth game 11-9 to clinch the tie for Malaysia.
What is the India men's team's next fixture at the World Junior Squash Championships?
The Indian men's team faces No.11 seeds Kuwait in the pre-quarterfinals. Kuwait advanced to the Round of 16 after a strong group-stage win over Chinese Taipei.
