Indian Men's Team Stuns England to Reach World Junior Squash Championships Semifinals

India's men's team continued its impressive run at the World Junior Squash Team Championships 2026, producing a spirited 2-1 victory over third-seeded England in the quarterfinals to book a place in the last four in Ontario, Canada. 

The fifth-seeded Indians displayed remarkable composure under pressure, with Aryaveer Dewan and Gurveer Singh delivering crucial victories to secure one of the biggest wins of the tournament.

While the men's team celebrated a memorable triumph, the Indian women's campaign came to an end in the quarterfinals after a 1-2 defeat to the United States. Despite another commanding performance from reigning World Junior Champion Anahat Singh, India could not find the second victory required to progress.

The contrasting results mean India's hopes of a team medal now rest with the men's squad, who will take on the United States in the semifinals as they aim to improve upon last year's bronze-medal finish.

Facing one of the tournament favourites in England, India needed a strong start to put pressure on the higher-seeded opponents. Aryaveer Dewan delivered exactly that. Taking on Ronnie Hickling in the opening match, Aryaveer showcased tremendous composure during two tightly contested games before taking complete control of the contest. He edged the first game 11-9 before surviving another close battle to win the second 12-10, placing England under immediate pressure.

Having established a two-game advantage, Aryaveer dominated the third game, racing to an 11-5 victory to hand India a crucial 1-0 lead in the tie. His straight-games win not only gave India the advantage but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.

England responded through Ismail Khalil, who faced India's Yusha Nafees in the second rubber. The match proved to be the most dramatic contest of the quarterfinal. Yusha started strongly, claiming the opening game 11-7 before Khalil fought back to take the second 11-8. The Indian team regained control by winning the third game, 11-4, moving within one game of sealing India's place in the semifinals. However, Khalil refused to surrender.

The English player edged a tense fourth game 13-11, forcing the match into a deciding fifth. With momentum now on his side, Khalil completed the comeback by winning the final game 11-7, levelling the overall tie at 1-1 and setting up a winner-takes-all final match. Despite the defeat, Yusha's fighting performance demonstrated the determination that has characterised India's campaign throughout the tournament.

With the semifinal spot hanging in the balance, all eyes turned to Gurveer Singh, who faced George Griffiths in the decisive third match. The Indian responded brilliantly to the pressure. From the opening rally, Gurveer controlled the pace of the match with confident shot-making and excellent court coverage. He comfortably claimed the opening game 11-3, immediately putting England on the back foot.

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Although Griffiths attempted to respond in the second game, Gurveer maintained his composure to secure it 11-8, moving within one game of victory. The Indian completed the job in emphatic fashion, taking the third game 11-6 to seal a straight-games victory and spark celebrations in the Indian camp. His clinical performance secured India's 2-1 triumph and confirmed the team's place in the semifinals.

Semifinal Showdown Against the United States

India's reward for upsetting England is a semifinal clash against the United States, another team that has impressed throughout the tournament. Having reached the semifinals for the second consecutive year, the Indian men's team now has an opportunity to surpass last year's achievement, when they finished with the bronze medal after losing in the final four. The victory over England will provide the squad with enormous confidence, proving they can defeat higher-ranked opponents under pressure.

A win against the United States would guarantee India its first-ever appearance in the final of the World Junior Squash Team Championships.

The Indian women's team began its quarterfinal against the United States in ideal fashion. Reigning World Junior Champion Anahat Singh once again underlined her status as one of the brightest young talents in world squash. Facing Diya Yadav, Anahat dominated from start to finish, securing an impressive 11-7, 11-5, 11-4 victory to give India an early 1-0 lead. Her commanding performance continued the consistency she has shown throughout the championships and reinforced her reputation as one of the tournament's standout players.

Unfortunately for India, the remaining matches did not go their way.

The United States levelled the tie when Charlotte Sze defeated Rudra Singh in straight games. Sze controlled the match from the outset, winning 11-6, 11-4, 11-8 to bring the quarterfinal level to 1-1. That left the outcome resting on the final encounter between Anika Dubey and Lily Bourell. Despite producing moments of quality, Anika was unable to overcome the American.

Bourell edged a closely fought opening game 13-11 before taking the next two 11-8 and 11-6 to secure the victory and send the United States into the semifinals. The result ended India's women's campaign despite Anahat's excellent individual display.

Although the women's team exited in the quarterfinals, the performances of players such as Anahat Singh once again demonstrated the strength of India's junior squash programme. The reigning world junior champion continues to lead from the front, while the men's team has shown remarkable depth with contributions from Aryaveer Dewan, Yusha Nafees and Gurveer Singh.

India's victory over a strong England side is another indication that the country's young players are capable of competing with the world's best. As the men prepare for a crucial semifinal against the United States, they now stand just one win away from creating history by reaching the World Junior Squash Team Championships final for the first time.

With confidence growing and momentum firmly on their side, the Indian men's team will believe that an even bigger achievement is within reach as they continue their pursuit of world junior team glory in Canada.