ISLAMABAD, Jul 01 (APP): Pakistani junior squash players made a dominant start at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships 2025, showcasing remarkable performances on the opening day of the tournament in Gimcheon, South Korea on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s young athletes won their matches in nearly all categories, with victories recorded in 7 out of 9 encounters across various age groups, according to information made available here by Pakistan Squash Federation.
The players displayed outstanding skill and determination against tough regional opponents.
In the Boys Under-19 category, Pakistan’s top seeds cruised through their opening matches as Abdullah Nawaz comfortably defeated Tharul P of Sri Lanka in straight sets 11-5, 11-4, 11-7, while Anas Ali Shah beat Muhammad R of Indonesia 11-3, 11-5, 11-6.
In the Boys U-17 division, Muhammad Umair Arif delivered a strong performance against Lau P T of Hong Kong, winning 11-3, 11-8, 11-9. However, Yahya Khan fell to Ivan C J Y of Malaysia after a hard-fought five-game match: 11-8, 11-5, 6-11, 1-11, 6-11.
The Boys U-15 matches were one-sided, with Nauman Khan dominating Aisoon J of Thailand 11-0, 11-0, 11-3. Similarly, Ahmad Rayyan Khalil outclassed Lonitha B of Sri Lanka 11-4, 11-0, 11-0.
In Boys U-13, Muhammad M faced a tough challenge against Muhammad S [3/4] of Malaysia, losing 13-11, 11-8, 11-9.
On the girls’ side, Pakistan’s female athletes also put up a stellar show. In the Girls U-17 category, Mehwish Ali [9/16] thrashed Yeona K of South Korea in a 3-0 sweep (11-0, 11-2, 11-0). Sehrish Ali secured a commanding win in the Girls U-15, beating Cao C I of Macau 13-11, 11-5, 11-7.
In Girls U-13, Mahnoor Ali crushed Prinprapha P of Thailand 11-0, 11-1, 11-1, wrapping up the first day’s performance on a high note for Pakistan.
The Pakistan Squash Federation officials lauded the players’ efforts and expressed confidence that the young squad would continue to perform well in the coming rounds.
The championships will continue over the next few days with tougher competition ahead, as the players aim for podium finishes.