Year 2024: A stellar one for Pakistan squash | Sports

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The year 2024 marks an extraordinary chapter for Pakistan squash, which has shown resilience and recovery on the global stage. With victories in junior, professional and masters categories, Pakistani athletes have brought pride and prestige to the nation. Here is a comprehensive look at their achievements and highlights of the year.

Global junior success

Pakistani juniors dominated the international squash circuit in 2024, impressing with 24 gold medals from four continents. In a stunning performance, Mahnoor Ali claimed the Asian No. 1 ranking in the Girls Under-13 category and won a historic women’s title for the first time at the US Junior Open. Similarly, young Harmus Ali Raja grabbed the headlines by winning the boys under-11 category in the same event.

This winning streak extended to prestigious tournaments like the Australian Junior Open, where players like Yahya Khan and Ibrahim Zeib took top honors in their respective age groups. Notably, Mahnoor Ali continued her winning streak at events such as the Nordic Junior Open and the Hungarian Junior Open, cementing her position as a dominant force in junior squash.

The rise of the pros on the PSA Tour

Pakistani professional squash players made significant progress on the PSA (Professional Squash Association) Tour in 2024. The country saw an increase in the number of players in the world’s top 100, from two in 2023 to four this year. Mohammad Asim Khan rose to a career-high ranking of 59th, winning four PSA titles, including the prestigious Charlottesville Open. Meanwhile, players like Nasir Iqbal, Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan continued to perform and appeared in multiple titles and finals.

The local squash scene also flourished, with Pakistan hosting five PSA tournaments, including the CAS Serena Hotels International Squash Championship, where Noor Zaman triumphed. Such events not only promoted local players but also brought international talent to Pakistani courts.

National Competitions: A Growing Ecosystem

National squash tournaments offer a platform for players of various age groups to thrive. Major events include Torsum Khan Image All Pakistan Squash Championship, Albarka Bank Jahangir Khan Junior Squash Championship, First Qamar Zaman All Pakistan National Junior Championship, and Comex Roshan Khan National Team Championship.

These tournaments were instrumental in identifying and nurturing young talent, ensuring a strong pipeline for the future.

The Pakistan Squash Federation also organized the 31st Asian Junior Individual Championship in Islamabad, attracting players from across Asia. This historic event highlighted Pakistan’s ability to host international tournaments and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the sport.

Pakistani team’s performance on the international stage

Pakistan’s national team has shown remarkable performance in international competitions in 2024. At the Asian Teams Championship, the men’s team showcased their skills against top Asian competitors and secured a bronze medal. Additionally, Pakistani juniors performed brilliantly at the World Junior Championships held in Houston, with Hamza Khan finishing in the top eight.

Masters players also played an important role in Pakistan’s success. Veterans like Irfan Asghar, Jahangir Khan Jr., and Fayyaz Khan have won titles at events like the Asian Masters, Malaysian Masters, and German Masters to prove that age is no barrier to excellence and that squash is uniquely a lifelong sport. is .

Key Supporters and Sponsors

The success of Pakistan Squash in 2024 was made possible by the unwavering support of individuals, corporations and institutions. All these and of course the sponsors played an important role in funding and organizing the events. Additionally, foundations like the BARD Foundation and the Markhor Squash Foundation, along with individual contributors, were instrumental in promoting the sport.

At the international level, Pakistani expatriates such as Karamatullah Khan of K2 Squash (Philadelphia) and Jahangir Naseem and Kaleem Khan of PlaySquash Academy/Squash Inspire (Maryland, Virginia and DC) have provided significant support to athletes competing abroad. provided

Looking Ahead: As Pakistan Squash moves forward, the foundations laid in 2024 will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of players. With a strong support system, thriving national competitions, and growing international recognition, the country is well positioned to regain its historic dominance in squash.