Pakistan’s young squash stars win big at Australian Junior Open
Pakistan’s rising squash talent took center stage at the Australian Junior Open in Melbourne
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Young squash athletes from Pakistan demonstrated exceptional skill and determination at the Australian Junior Open, securing four gold medals and one silver.
The event highlighted the country’s rising stars in the sport, as players such as Mehwish Ali, Azan Ali Khan, Mahnoor Ali, Ahmad Ali Naz, and Sehrish Ali clinched top spots, further solidifying Pakistan’s presence on the global squash stage.
Mehwish Ali successfully defended her Girls U-17 title, completing an undefeated run in the tournament.
She defeated Eden-Alma Poulava 3-0 in the final, with scores of 11-5, 11-5, 11-7.
Ali, the top seed, maintained her dominant form throughout the competition, not losing a single set to her opponents.
Azan Ali Khan mirrored her success in the Boys U-17 category, securing the title with a dominant 3-0 win over local favorite Henry Kross.
Khan, ranked number 2 in Pakistan’s Boys U-17 division as of March, finished with scores of 11-6, 11-4, and 11-9, confirming his growing reputation on the junior squash circuit.
In the Girls U-13 category, Mahnoor Ali triumphed in the final, defeating Japan’s Riyo Kawabata 3-0.
Ali, the top-ranked player in Pakistan’s U-13 division, sealed the win with a commanding 11-2, 11-5, 11-6 scoreline, maintaining her undefeated streak throughout the competition.
The youngest Pakistani gold medalist, Ahmad Ali Naz, emerged victorious in the Boys U-11 final against Freddie Goldsmith from Australia.
After a 11-5, 2-11, 11-6, 11-6 win, Naz, ranked number 1 in his age group in Pakistan, secured the title in a strong comeback, demonstrating his resilience and focus.
Meanwhile, Sehrish Ali, part of the talented Ali squash trio, fought hard in the Girls U-15 final but ultimately fell to Japan’s Emily Senior.
Despite winning a set and putting up a strong challenge, Sehrish could not clinch the win, with Senior securing the title 3-2.
Sehrish’s efforts earned her a well-deserved silver medal in a match that showcased her competitive spirit.
Earlier in March, Pakistan’s squash star Noor Zaman made headlines by winning the U23 World Squash Championship in Karachi, beating Egypt’s Karim El Torkey in a dramatic 3-2 comeback, cementing his place as a rising star in the sport.
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