KARACHI: Pakistani junior squash players performed admirably at the 2024 Scottish Open Junior Squash Championship in Edinburgh, bagging four titles and placing third three times in various age groups, highlighting the growing dominance of young Pakistani talent in international squash.
In the final of the U-13 boys category, Suhail Adnan showed impeccable skill and composure as he defeated Spaniard Itzel Reguero Garcia in straight games. Sohail’s 11-3, 11-5, 11-6 win highlighted his technical prowess and strategic play.
Meanwhile, Huzaifa Shahid showed great control of his nerves in the final of the U-15 Boys Championship, where he competed in a five-game match against Singapore’s Rehan Singh. Despite losing in two close matches, Huzaifa held his nerve to emerge victorious with a score of 11-6, 11-6, 8-11, 11-13, and 11-7.
Azaan Khan continued Pakistan’s dominance in the U-17 boys’ category, defeating Switzerland’s Leandro Vogel in another interesting encounter. He maintained his control to win the title with an 11-9, 11-2, 9-11, 11-6 victory.
In the U-13 girls final, Mahnoor Ali was at the top of her game as she defeated India’s Divyanshi Jain in straight games. Mahnoor’s confident performance, in an 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 win, highlighted her potential as a rising star in the Pakistani squash circuit.
Sakhi Khan Tareen took third place in the U-19 boys category after defeating New Zealand’s Freddie Jameson.
In the under-15 girls category, Sehrish Ali took third place by defeating England’s Karen Mills in four matches. Sehrish’s focused game and consistent shot selection earned her an 11-6, 11-5, 9-11, 11-5 victory, ensuring her podium finish.
Mehwish Ali took third place in the U17 girls category, recovering from a slow start to defeat Eloise Levine. After losing the opening match, Mehwish fought back to win 4-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-4.
Experts believe four titles and three podium finishes at the Scottish Junior Open highlight the country’s pool of young squash talent that needs to be properly developed.