Pakistan’s junior squash players delivered an exceptional performance at the Australian Junior Open 2025, held in Melbourne, showcasing their growing dominance on the international stage. From historic wins in finals to a powerful presence in the semi-finals across age categories, the tournament marked a major step forward in Pakistan’s squash revival.
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Ali Sisters Lead a Family Triumph
A remarkable highlight of the tournament was the Ali sisters’ performance, who made history by reaching the finals in their respective age categories.
- Mahnoor Ali, the youngest, secured the Girls U13 title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Riyo Kawabata (11-2, 11-5, 11-6), wrapping up the match in just 13 minutes.
- Mehwish Ali, her elder sister, lifted the Girls U17 trophy, overpowering Eden-Alma Poulava with a straight-games win (11-5, 11-5, 11-7) in only 12 minutes.
- Sehrish Ali, competing in the Girls U15 final, came close to making it a clean sweep for the family but narrowly lost a thrilling five-game battle to Emily Senior (15-13, 5-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-4) after 22 minutes of intense play.
The three sisters’ presence in the finals not only made headlines but also drew widespread praise from Pakistan’s squash community for their consistency, talent, and sportsmanship.
Boys Add to Title Haul
The boys’ division also brought glory for Pakistan.
- Azan Ali Khan secured the Boys U17 title, dominating Henry Kross in straight games (11-6, 11-4, 11-9) in a 23-minute showdown.
- Ahmed Ali Naz, in the Boys U11 category, clinched the title after overcoming Freddie Goldsmith 3-1 (5-11, 11-2, 11-6, 11-6), showcasing maturity and tactical awareness well beyond his years.
Both players were praised for their composure and strategic gameplay, reflecting the disciplined training of Pakistan’s junior squash programs.
Semi-Final Surge Shows Squad Depth
Pakistan’s overall presence at the event was formidable. Six players reached the semi-finals across different age categories, underlining the country’s growing pool of talent.
- In Boys U11, Ahmad Ali Naz and Ahmad Raza Naz both advanced to the semi-finals, with the latter beating Australia’s Manav Kagda 3-0.
- In Boys U13, Mohammad Faizan Khan defeated a New Zealand opponent to enter the semis.
- In Girls U13, Mahnoor Ali powered past Maryam Ibrahim of Victoria in the quarterfinals.
- Azaan Ali Khan and Mahrukh Ali reached the Boys and Girls U17 semi-finals, respectively.
- Sehrish Ali also entered the Girls U15 semi-finals with a decisive win over Chelse Paul before progressing to the final.
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The strong showing at the Australian Junior Open 2025 has been hailed as a major milestone for Pakistan’s squash, particularly the rise of female talent. National sporting bodies and squash federations have lauded the players’ achievements, calling them a sign of “a new era” in the sport’s development in Pakistan.