Pakistan has secured a spot in the semifinals of the Asian Junior Squash Championship after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Japan, keeping its championship hopes alive. The young squad demonstrated skill and resilience in a fiercely contested battle.
Insa Ali Shah delivered a strong performance against Renzi Makenyo, while Abdullah Nawaz dominated Shinsaku Kiri with a commanding 3-0 win. With this impressive display, Pakistan moves one step closer to the title, fueling hopes for a triumphant finish.
The 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships are currently taking place in Hong Kong, China, from February 12 to 16, 2025. Organized by the Asian Squash Federation, this prestigious event features top junior teams from across Asia competing in both boys’ and girls’ categories.
The boys’ competition includes teams from Hong Kong China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Meanwhile, the girls’ category features teams from Hong Kong China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Malaysia, another strong contender, faces a selection dilemma due to outstanding performances from all four of its players. Head coach Ajaz Azmat is carefully assessing the best lineup for their crucial quarterfinal against Kuwait.
Sri Lanka, led by Royal College’s Matheesha Wijesekara, has also arrived in Hong Kong with high aspirations, aiming to make a mark on the international stage.
Pakistan has been in exceptional form, having already secured a quarterfinal spot with a dominant 3-0 win over Macau, China. One of the standout moments came from Abdullah Nawaz, who overwhelmed Ka Hei in just 16 minutes, showcasing his dominance on the court.
This championship serves as a key platform for young squash talents to shine, with each team battling for top honors and contributing to the sport’s growth in their respective nations.