Pakistan’s junior squash players have once again proven their mettle on the global stage, delivering a historic performance at the Australian Junior Open 2025. With five medals—four gold and one silver—the nation’s rising stars showcased their talent, resilience, and the depth of Pakistan’s squash legacy. This triumph not only highlights their individual brilliance but also signals a resurgence in a sport where Pakistan once ruled unchallenged.
Historic Triumph: Pakistan’s Medal Haul Dominates Headlines
The Australian Junior Open 2025 will be remembered as a watershed moment for Pakistan’s squash future. Competing against top junior athletes from around the world, Pakistan’s young players claimed victories across multiple age categories, reaffirming their status as a breeding ground for squash excellence.
- 4 Gold Medals: U11 Boys (Ahmad Ali Naz), U13 Girls (Mahnoor Ali), U17 Girls (Mehwish Ali), and U17 Boys (Azan Ali Khan).
- 1 Silver Medal: U15 Girls (Sehrish Ali).
This medal tally underscores Pakistan’s dominance in junior squash, with the Ali family alone contributing three medals. The performances were a blend of tactical brilliance, physical endurance, and mental fortitude—qualities that have long defined Pakistani squash players.
The Ali Sisters: A Legacy in Motion
The Ali sisters—Mahnoor, Mehwish, and Sehrish—stole the spotlight in Melbourne, cementing their reputation as Pakistan’s most promising squash dynasty. Their achievements reflect years of rigorous training, familial support, and a deep-rooted passion for the sport.
Mahnoor Ali: U13 Champion Defends Her Crown
Mahnoor Ali, the top seed in the U13 girls’ category, left no room for doubt in her title defense. Her 11-2, 11-5, 11-6 dismantling of Japan’s Riyo Kawabata showcased her precision and agility. Known for her lightning-fast reflexes and strategic shot placement, Mahnoor has become a role model for young athletes in Pakistan.
Mehwish Ali: U17 Dominance Continues
In the U17 girls’ division, Mehwish Ali lived up to her No. 1 seeding with a masterclass against Eden-Alma Poulava. Her 11-5, 11-5, 11-7 victory highlighted her ability to control rallies and adapt mid-game. Mehwish’s back-to-back Australian Junior Open titles hint at a future brimming with senior-level success.
Sehrish Ali: Silver Lining in U15 Thriller
Sehrish Ali’s journey in the U15 girls’ bracket was nothing short of dramatic. Battling top-seeded Emily Senior in a 78-minute marathon, Sehrish narrowly missed gold after a 15-13, 5-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-4 defeat. Despite the loss, her tenacity and technical prowess earned widespread praise, proving she’s a force to watch in coming years.
Rising Stars: Pakistan’s Boys Shine on the Global Stage
While the Ali sisters dominated headlines, Pakistan’s male athletes also delivered standout performances. Azan Ali Khan and Ahmad Ali Naz demonstrated why Pakistan’s junior squash pipeline remains among the world’s best.
Azan Ali Khan: U17 Boys’ Champion
Azan Ali Khan’s gold in the U17 boys’ category was a masterclass in power and precision. His 11-8, 11-2, 11-4 victory over Australia’s Aiden Finlay-Mulligen was a display of relentless attacking play. Azan’s ability to mix drop shots with blistering cross-court drives left his opponent scrambling, earning him his first major international title.
Ahmad Ali Naz: U11 Prodigy Makes History
At just 10 years old, Ahmad Ali Naz became Pakistan’s youngest medalist at the event. His 11-5, 2-11, 6-11, 6-11 win over Freddie Goldsmith in the U11 boys’ final revealed maturity beyond his years. Ahmad’s tactical adjustments mid-match—switching from aggressive play to a defensive counter-attack strategy—proved critical in clinching gold.
Why This Victory Matters for Pakistan Squash
Pakistan’s squash history is storied, with legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan dominating the sport in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the past two decades saw a decline in senior-level achievements due to limited infrastructure, funding gaps, and international competition. The Australian Junior Open 2025 results offer hope for a revival.
Rebuilding a Squash Superpower
The Pakistan Squash Federation has prioritized junior development programs in recent years, partnering with private academies and international coaches. This focus is paying dividends, as evidenced by the diverse age groups represented in this year’s medalists.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Social media buzz in Pakistan has dubbed the team “Squash Sultans 2.0,” a nod to the country’s golden era. Youngsters across cities like Peshawar, Karachi, and Islamabad are flocking to squash courts, inspired by these junior champions.
The Road Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
While the Australian Junior Open success is cause for celebration, the real challenge lies in transitioning these juniors to senior success. Pakistan’s squash authorities must address key areas:
- International Exposure: Ensuring players compete in more tournaments abroad to gain experience.
- Sports Science Integration: Modernizing training with nutritionists, physiotherapists, and mental coaches.
- Grassroots Investment: Expanding access to courts and equipment in rural areas.
The Australian Junior Open 2025 has reignited hope, but sustained effort will determine whether Pakistan’s juniors can restore the nation’s former glory. For now, the world is on notice: Pakistani squash is rising again.
