KARACHI: Pakistan’s junior squash players performed brilliantly at the Scottish Junior Open Squash 2024 in Edinburgh, bagging four titles and three third-place finishes in various age categories, underscoring the growing dominance of Pakistan’s young talent in international squash. Highlighted
In the Boys Under-13 final, Sohail Adnan displayed impeccable skill and composure as he defeated Spain’s Itzal Reguero Garcia in straight games. Sohail’s commanding 11-3, 11-5, 11-6 victory highlighted his technical prowess and strategic play.
Meanwhile, Huzaifa Shahid showed great nerve control in the Boys Under-15 final to take on Singapore’s Rehan Singh in a five-game encounter. Despite losing two back-to-back games, Huzaifa held her nerve to emerge victorious with scores of 11-6, 11-6, 8-11, 11-13, and 11-7.
Azaan Khan maintained Pakistan’s dominance in the Boys Under-17 category by overpowering Switzerland’s Leandro Vogel in another thrilling encounter. They maintained control to claim the title with an 11-9, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6 victory.
Mahnoor Ali was in top form in the girls U-13 final as she defeated India’s Divyanshi Jain in straight games. Mahnoor’s confident performance, winning 11-5, 11-5, 11-7, highlighted her potential as a rising star in Pakistan’s squash circuit.
Sakhi Khan Tareen finished third in the Boys Under-19 category after getting a walkover against New Zealand’s Freddie Jameson.
In the girls under-15 category, Saharish Ali won the third position by defeating Karen Mills of England in four games. Saharsh’s focused gameplay and consistent shot selection led him to an 11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5 victory, ensuring a podium finish.
Mehwish Ali finished third in the Girls Under-17 category, recovering from a slow start to beat Eloise Lyon. After dropping the opening game, Mehwish bounced back to win 4-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-4.
Experts believe that four titles and three podium finishes at the Scottish Junior Open highlight the country’s young talent pool in squash. Need to prepare properly.