Pakistan celebrated a major triumph at the Asian Junior Squash Championship 2025 in Korea, defeating traditional rivals India and securing a total of seven medals. The national junior squad returned home with two gold, two silver, one bronze, and two Plate Division titles, marking one of their strongest performances in recent years on the Asian circuit.
In a standout performance in the boys’ under-13 final, young Pakistani star Sohail Adnan delivered a commanding win over India’s Ayaan Dhanuka. Adnan dominated the court with scores of 11-5, 11-2, 11-13, and 11-6, showing exceptional skill and composure against his Indian counterpart. His powerful strokes and smart court coverage earned Pakistan its first gold in the event.
The second gold came in the boys’ under-15 final, where Nauman Khan faced fellow Pakistani Ahmad Rayyan Khalil in an all-Pakistan final. Nauman kept his nerves and showcased superior strategy, winning in straight sets: 12-10, 11-6, 11-2. Although Khalil settled for silver, the all-green final reflected the strength and depth of Pakistan’s youth squash talent.
In the girls’ under-13 final, Mahnoor Ali gave a tough fight to China’s Yan Xiuwan in a five-game thriller. Despite her valiant effort and taking the match to the wire, Mahnoor lost narrowly with final scores of 9-11, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, and 12-10. Her silver medal was hard-earned and praised for her resilience and competitive spirit.
Pakistan also won a bronze medal in the boys’ category, along with two Plate Division titles—which are awarded in classification matches among players who don’t reach the main final. These victories add to the growing promise of Pakistan’s next generation of squash players.
Officials from the Pakistan Squash Federation expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting that such achievements are a result of improved training programs and international exposure. The tournament not only reaffirmed Pakistan’s regional dominance but also rekindled hopes of restoring the country’s historic glory in global squash.
