Pakistan excelled impressively at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships held in South Korea, clinching a total of seven medals including four gold, two silver, and one bronze. In the main championship events, Mohammad Sohail Adnan (U-13) and Nauman Khan (U-15) claimed gold medals, while Ahmed Rayyan Khalil (U-15) and Mahnoor Ali (Girls U-13) secured silver medals. Additionally, Abdullah Nawaz (U-19) contributed a well-earned bronze medal. Pakistan also achieved success in the plate events, earning two more gold medals through Yahya Khan (U-17) and Muhammad Mustafa (U-13).
In a prominent all-Pakistan clash at the Boys U-15 final, top-seeded Nauman Khan delivered a powerful performance to defeat compatriot Ahmed Rayyan Khalil in straight games with scores of 12-10, 11-6, and 11-2, securing the gold medal in commanding fashion.
In the Boys U-13 category, Pakistan’s top-ranked junior player Muhammad Sohail Adnan triumphed against India’s Ayaan Dhanuka. Adnan showed composure and resilience to win the thrilling final 11-5, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6, securing another gold medal for Pakistan.
Meanwhile, in the Girls U-13 competition, young star Mahnoor Ali narrowly lost an intense and gripping five-game final against China’s Yin Z. After taking an early lead, Mahnoor fiercely contested each game but eventually fell short with scores of 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 12-10, earning an honorable silver medal.
The plate events further illustrated the depth of Pakistan’s junior talent. Yahya Khan delivered a dominant performance in the Boys U-17 plate final, convincingly defeating South Korea’s Chanyoung K with scores of 11-9, 11-7. Similarly, Muhammad Mustafa secured a comfortable victory over Hong Kong’s Tse K.C in the Boys U-13 plate event, with decisive scores of 11-3, 11-8.
These significant achievements mark an encouraging revival for Pakistan squash, highlighting the bright prospects within the nation’s junior ranks. The exceptional performances at this prestigious championship underline the potential and determination of Pakistan’s young squash champions, fueling optimism for continued success at international levels.
