Pakistan’s Ali sisters once again lifted national spirits as Mahnoor Ali produced a commanding performance to claim gold at the SRAFTKL International Junior Open Squash Championship 2026, part of the Asian Junior Super Series in Kuala Lumpur.
In a high-pressure final against the host country’s top-ranked player and Asia’s fourth-ranked contender, Misra Khairalnizam, Mahnoor Ali remained composed and precise, overcoming her opponent 3–1. The match scores read 12–10, 13–11, 6–11, and 11–7, illustrating a tight contest won through resilience and tactical play.
This victory marks the 28th international gold medal in Mahnoor Ali’s career, a milestone that underlines her consistency on the junior circuit and her capacity to challenge Asia’s best. Her sister Sehrish Ali also contributed to the country’s success by securing a bronze medal, while Mehwish Ali reached the 5th–8th position bracket with notable performances.
Pakistan’s squash community hailed the achievement, with many calling the result a fresh sign of hope for national squash. Experts noted that winning gold at a major Asian Super Series event, especially by defeating top Malaysian and Asian-seeded opponents, signals encouraging progress as Pakistan looks to regain its former standing in international squash.
