Pakistan’s Sohail Adnan created history by winning the under-13 title at the 2025 British Open Squash, ending the country’s 18-year wait for gold at the tournament after Nasir Iqbal in 2007.
Adnan defeated his opponent, the first-ranked Egyptian player, Moez Tamer Al-Maghazi, 3-2, the first-ranked Egyptian player, in an exciting final match, with the match scores 11-5, 5-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5, reviving memories of the era. Gold medal for the country in squash.
Adnan also achieved a hat-trick of titles, as he also won the US and Scottish Open Junior Championships in December last year, according to the British Open Junior Championship website.
Nasir Iqbal was the last Pakistani to win the British Open Junior title in 2007.
Earlier, the young player had secured a place in the top eight after defeating Malaysian Wayne Isaac Wilson in the semi-finals of the tournament with a score of 11-4, 11-7, 11-5.
Adnan also defeated German Mats Oliver Efkin and Scottish Callum Smith 3-0, demonstrating his ability to overcome strong competitors throughout the competition.
In June 2024, Adnan and seven other Pakistani players reached the semi-finals of the 31st Junior Singles Squash Championship in Islamabad.
In the U-13 quarterfinals, he defeated 13th seed Jakrish Kumar of Singapore with an emphatic victory 11-0, 11-7, 11-3.
President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Adnan on his victory and praised him for winning the country’s title after an absence of 18 years.
He said that Sohail Adnan brought laurels to Pakistan in the field of squash and wished him success in the future.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the budding squash talent for his impressive win in the prestigious Junior British Open.
Naqvi praised the 12-year-old for his outstanding achievement, stressing the importance of this victory for Pakistan.
“Suhail Adnan has brought great honor to Pakistan by receiving this title,” Naqvi said. “His remarkable achievement in securing this championship after 18 years has raised the green flag on the international stage.”
“This win is a great honor for the nation. Adnan’s performance has been fantastic, and he truly deserves appreciation for his hard work and determination,” Naqvi added.