The Asian Junior Individual Squash Championship 2024 for Boys and Girls in U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 age categories kicked off on Tuesday with an array of thrilling matches.
Teams from Hong Kong-China, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Macau-China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, and Sri Lanka have gathered for this prestigious event.
Squash legend Qamar Zaman graced the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest, alongside numerous players, officials, and parents. In the Boys U13 category, notable matches included Faizan Ali (Pakistan) defeating Harshitha Taruka (Sri Lanka) 11-4, 11-3, 11-1, and Danish Sikandar (Pakistan) triumphing over Leung Nok (Hong Kong) 11-5, 11-9, 11-5.
The Boys U15 category saw Rehan Alamgir (Pakistan) winning against Chin Ka (Macau) 11-4, 11-5, 11-5, and Yeung Tsung Chit (Hong Kong) overcoming Ranuka Senal Bandara (Sri Lanka) 11-6, 11-7, 11-4.
In the Boys U17, Abdullah Nawaz (Pakistan) beat Mohammad Al-Khalaf (Qatar) 11-2, 11-2, 11-6, and Altamis Aghar Salam (Malaysia) edged out Ibrahim Zeb (Pakistan) 11-7, 11-6, 17-15.
The Boys U19 matches included Lee Tin Hang (Hong Kong) defeating Am Aritha Minsandu (Sri Lanka) 11-2, 11-3, 11-0, and Muhammad Ammad (Pakistan) winning against Kosei Toki (Japan) 11-7, 11-2, 11-5.
On the girls’ side, in the U13 category, Sehrish Ali (Pakistan) overcame Janani Sarovanan (Malaysia) 11-8, 11-13, 9-11, 11-6, 11-8, while Mahnoor Ali (Pakistan) beat Hm Methuki (Sri Lanka) 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.
The Girls U15 saw DI Senudi (Sri Lanka) defeating Bushra Shahbaz (Pakistan) 11-1, 11-3, 11-3, and Ifra Shasmin (Sri Lanka) overcoming Ayesha Shahbaz (Pakistan) 11-3, 11-5, 11-3. In the Girls U17, Baran Mohammadpour (Iran) beat Sameera Shahid (Pakistan) 11-4, 11-4, 11-5.
In the Girls U19, Parmin Nekopayantak (Iran) defeated Hafsa Yousaf (Pakistan) 11-2, 11-6, 11-4, and Valerie Kaitlyn (Hong Kong) triumphed over Naheed Faiz (Pakistan) 11-1, 11-4, 11-2.
The second-round matches are scheduled for Wednesday, along with the Plate Event for the first-round losers. The championship continues to attract attention, showcasing young talent and competitive spirit in the realm of junior squash.