Latest news with #BritishJuniorOpen
See - Sada Elbalad
21-07-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
US Squash Team Ready for Glory & Inspiration at World Junior Squash Championships
Rana Atef On Monday, the World Junior Squash Championships 2025 kicked off with the participation of more than 200 players. Among the anticipated teams to participate in the tournament is the US squash national team due to their impressive performance. Therefore, the team has a lot of thoughts and ambitions to share before the tournament. The US delegation, led by Coach Karim Ibrahim, Director of U.S. Junior National Teams, and Coach Nick Taylor, arrives not only to compete but to make a statement as the American junior squash is on the rise, and this generation is ready to challenge the global elite. Coach Karim Ibrahim, who has been at the helm of U.S. Squash's junior development for the past three years, believes this year's squad reflects a culture of consistency, professionalism, and belief. 'What we've worked hard to instil is a long-term mindset,' Ibrahim shared. 'This isn't just about showing up to win a single match—it's about building athletes who can compete internationally, sustain performance, and lead the next generation.' Ibrahim also plays a pivotal role at the Specter Center, the national training hub in Philadelphia, where many of the juniors have been sharpening their skills year-round. Alongside him is veteran coach Nick Taylor, whose strategic insight and technical experience have helped the athletes adjust to international play styles. One of the standout athletes on the team is Alexander Dartnell, who earlier this year made waves by reaching the final of the 2025 British Junior Open, one of the most competitive junior tournaments in the world. Reflecting on that journey, Alexander Dartnell described how it marked a turning point in his career. 'The British Open was a huge learning curve,' Dartnell explained. 'The first time I played there, I was overwhelmed. Back home I was used to the JCTs, but this was a whole different level—players from all over the world fighting to win.' In that first British Open appearance two years ago, Dartnell finished in fourth place, but it lit a fire in him. 'That's when I realized I wasn't that far off. I belonged on this stage,' he said. 'Since then, I committed fully to training, worked on every weakness, and kept the same mentality—one match at a time.' Asked about competing in Cairo—a city known for its passionate squash fans and legendary champions— he acknowledged the excitement and pressure. 'Meeting guys like Mohamed Zakaria and Amin Orfi—those are names that inspire you,' he said. 'You see their discipline, their intensity, and you want to rise to that level. Being in Egypt, playing in front of squash-loving crowds—it's electric.' Women's team captain Alex Jaffe, representing the girls' squad, spoke candidly about the mental preparation required to compete at this level, especially in Egypt. 'It's not just physical—it's emotional, it's mental,' Jaffe said. 'You train for years to get here, but the pressure hits differently when you're in a country like Egypt, where squash is massive and the atmosphere is intense.' Jaffe emphasized how vital long-term goals have been for her journey. 'Making this team was my goal from the start of the season. I built everything around that. Training, recovery, mindset—all of it,' she explained. 'When the matches go into hour two, and the fans are loud, you have to be able to lock in mentally and trust your preparation.' While the US team is aiming for strong results, the focus isn't solely on podium finishes. According to Ibrahim, this year's championship is also about positioning U.S. juniors as serious contenders and laying a foundation for future excellence. 'It's about sending a message: American players can compete at the highest levels,' he said. 'We may come from a system that's still developing compared to the traditional squash countries, but the talent, drive, and work ethic are absolutely there.' The group stages are now underway at the Wadi Degla Club in Cairo, with players competing in both individual and team draws. Over the next week, the world will watch as these young athletes—some just 16 or 17—test themselves against the best juniors the sport has to offer. For Dartnell, Jaffe, and the entire U.S. squad, this championship is more than a competition—it's a milestone in a larger journey toward elite performance and global recognition. On her side, US Embassy Spokesperson Gina Cabrera's said that the tournament "It's a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredible talent and dedication of the young athletes representing both the United States and Egypt. Squash is one of Egypt's favorite sports, and it plays an important role in building connections and strengthening the friendship between our two countries." She added: "This year's championship feels even more special as we look forward to squash's historic debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. For the first time ever, this exciting and globally respected sport will be featured at the Olympic Games, giving athletes from Egypt, the U.S., and around the world a chance to shine on the biggest stage." "Both the U.S. and Egyptian junior teams have shown outstanding skill and determination, and their participation here is a great example of the strong partnership between our nations. We celebrate what they've achieved so far and can't wait to see the memorable moments they'll create on the court. 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Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Sohail Adnan secures gold at Asian Jr Squash
Young and talented Sohail Adnan poses with his gold medal and winner's certificate after winning the Boys U-13 title at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash in Gimcheon, South Korea. PHOTO: psf Sohail Adnan, a rising squash star and fellow of the BARD Foundation, has once again brought glory to Pakistan by securing the gold medal in the Boys U-13 category at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships 2025, held in Gimcheon, South Korea. Displaying remarkable skill and determination, Sohail defeated India's Ayaan Dhanuka in a thrilling four-game final with scores of 11-5, 11-2, 11-13, 11-6. His victory marks another major milestone in what has already been an exceptional year for the young champion. Earlier this year, Sohail made headlines by winning the British Junior Open 2025 (U-13), ending Pakistan's 18-year title drought at that event. His latest triumph in South Korea further cements his place among Asia's top junior squash players. Speaking about the victory, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, President-BARD Foundation, said: "Sohail's dedication, focus, and passion continue to inspire us all. His journey reflects not only his personal excellence but also the BARD Foundation's commitment to nurturing Pakistan's brightest talent. We are proud to stand beside him as he continues to shine on the international stage." Mehreen Dawood, Member of the BARD Foundation, praised Sohail's achievement, stating: "Squash has always been a part of Pakistan's sporting heritage, and Sohail's victory is a step towards reclaiming that legacy. His dedication and fearless spirit represent the future of squash in our country. At BARD Foundation, we are committed to nurturing young players like Sohail who have the potential to bring Pakistan back to the top in world squash." Sohail Adnan's success is the result of relentless hard work and the right mentorship and support. As a BARD Foundation fellow, he represents the Foundation's vision of empowering young Pakistanis to achieve their dreams and make their mark globally. With victories at the British Junior Open, Scottish Junior Open, Morgan Reach Junior Championship, and now the Asian Junior Championships, Sohail has firmly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in global squash.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Anahat Singh up for squash world championship, but Olympic medal is ultimate goal
Anahat Singh of Team India plays a shot against Jada Ross of Team Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Photo by) NEW DELHI: By the time the chill of Chicago's late spring curls into the glass walls of the squash courts at the University Club, the brightest young star of Indian squash will already be warming is something both graceful and unrelenting about Anahat Singh 's movements. On court, she is a blend of youthful audacity and a veteran's poise. As she prepares to make her mark on the biggest stage of her career — the World Squash Championship 2025 , Chicago — Anahat carries not just her racquet but the hopes of a nation as India's lone woman representative in the prestigious Delhi girl grew up in a family with strong sporting culture. Father Gursharan Singh, a lawyer, and mother Tani Vadehra, an interior designer, both played hockey in their Anahat's elder sister, was a top-ranked U-19 squash player before enrolling at Harvard University for her bachelor's degree. She continues to compete for the Harvard women's squash early brushes, though, were not with squash but badminton. Inspired first by PV Sindhu, she briefly flirted with shuttlecocks before the squash court stole her heart. The speed, the strategy, the raw physicality of it attracted her.'I started playing badminton when I was six years old. When I was eight, I started going to the Delhi Gymkhana Club and started playing squash with my sister. Eventually, I started doing a lot better in squash and enjoyed it a lot more as well,' Anahat told TOI .By 9, she had won her first national title. By 11, she was dominating the U-13 circuit, rising to No. 1 not just in India but also in Asia and came a crowning moment for Anahat. She captured the British Junior Open — a tournament considered the 'Wimbledon of junior squash' — in the U-11 category, stunning higher-ranked players with the cold precision of her drop as the grand stage of Chicago beckons, Anahat stands on the cusp of transitioning from prodigy to a professional powerhouse. For India, Anahat's solo representation in the women's draw is symbolic. It's the torch being passed to a new generation. 'I am just excited to play against the best in the world,' she said. 'That's what I've always wanted — to see how far I can push myself.'At present, Anahat is ranked world No. 60, and every match at the world championships is going to be challenging. And yet, one gets the sense that she relishes it. 'I don't really think about rankings,' she said. 'On court, it's just me, the ball, and the walls. That's all that matters.'Regardless of the outcome in Chicago, Anahat holds immense promise for the future. After squash was included as a medal sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the 17-yearold has now firmly set her eyes on an Olympic medal.'Now that Olympics is in the picture for us squash players for the first time, I'm hopeful I can win a medal at the LA Games,' Anahat, who has two bronze medals (women's team event & mixed doubles) from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games , currently, has a full team around her with former pros Gregory Gaultier (of France) and Stephane Galifi (Italy) as full-time coaches. Saurav Ghosal, who has won CWG and Asian Games medals for India, is her mentor.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Teenager Anahat ready for senior world squash debut
New Delhi: Anahat Singh is a busy girl. Between reading A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, writing her Class 11 exams, catching up with family and painting, the 17-year-old is also gearing up for her first senior World Squash Championships. Anahat Singh will feature in her first senior World Squash Championships that is set to be held on May 9-17 in Chicago. (Getty Images) The India No.1 and the only woman player in the four-member Chicago-bound squad is unfazed. After blazing her trail on the junior circuit — she has three British Junior Open titles across age-groups — Anahat has made an encouraging foray into the senior circuit. With nine PSA titles out of 10 appearances, Anahat knows how to win. The double bronze medallist at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games is going into the May 9-17 event having won her third British Junior Open. She then had an unblemished run at the 2025 Asian Junior Team Championships which helped India claim the bronze medal. The Delhi-born player then won the SRFI Indian Tour and the Indian Open events to break into the top 70 in the PSA rankings. 'I've been in good form over the past 2-3 competitions, the body is feeling good, the belief is there. Even during practice, I'm confident with the way I'm playing. I think it's the best I've played in the last few years,' she said. The senior worlds though 'feels different'. 'I've grown up watching this tournament. It is one event where the world's best turn up, and it's something I've always wanted to compete in,' she said. 'This year, I'm not really going there to win or anything. I'm just trying to go and play my best and do as well as I possibly can.' That means, by her own admission, getting past the second round. The world No.62 will open her campaign against Marina Stefanoni of US, ranked 28. Should she win, she'll meet either world No.15 Fayrouz Aboelkheir or world No.34 Hana Moataz, both from Egypt. The rankings gap notwithstanding, Anahat believes she can beat them. 'In my first two rounds, I'll meet opponents who I have seen a lot and I've played with them as well. And they're not in the top 10. There's always a chance to win and if I'm playing well, they'll be under pressure because they're ranked higher and more experienced.' She would know, considering the tables turn when she plays the juniors. 'There, I am expected to win every time, which puts a bit of pressure; I know there would be little challenge till the semis. But in seniors, even the opening rounds are very tough.' With squash making its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Anahat is keen to grow in the game. Having the seasoned Saurav Ghosal as a mentor helps. The 38-year-old primarily helps Anahat manage and structure her calendar. 'I am not picking the tournaments blindly,' she said. 'We plan when and where I need to play, how much to exert, and so forth. Since LA is in the picture, it was more important for me to play the senior tournaments a bit more. While the qualification criterion is still not known, I want to climb the rankings as much as I can to put myself in the reckoning.'
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Sohail wins Morgan Reach Jr Squash
Young Sohail Adnan receives his trophy from DG Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry after winning the U-15 title. PHOTO: APP Pakistan's rising squash star, Sohail Adnan, has added another prestigious title to his growing list of achievements by winning the Morgan Reach Junior Squash Championship 2025. In a display of exceptional skill and determination, Sohail triumphed in the Boys U-15 final by defeating Muhammad Bin Aatif in straight sets, with a commanding score of 11-4, 11-5, 11-5. This victory adds to Sohail's impressive streak of international successes, including his titles at the British Junior Open 2025, the Scottish Junior Open 2024, and the Asian Junior U13 Championship 2024. His consistent performance across major tournaments continues to highlight his talent, discipline, and passion for the sport. In the U-13 final, Raheel from Sindh showcased remarkable skill and determination, defeating Ayaan Mehboob of PAF by 3-1 to clinch the title while in the U-17 final, Obaidullah from KP overpowered M Ali of PAF with a comprehensive 3-0 win. The BARD Foundation, which proudly supports Sohail's journey, expressed great pride in his latest accomplishment. Mahreen Dawood shared her delight: "Sohail Adnan's remarkable victory at the Morgan Reach Junior Squash Championship once again demonstrates the power of hard work and perseverance. We are incredibly proud to be part of his journey and look forward to seeing him continue to make Pakistan proud." Abdul Razak Dawood also applauded Sohail's performance: "Sohail Adnan's victory at the Morgan Reach Junior Squash Championship is a moment of immense pride for all of us.
