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Wednesday December 18, 2024

Youngsters bring squash glory to Pakistan

Mahnoor Ali and Harmas Raja clinch at US Junior Open Squash Championships

By Faizan Lakhani
December 18, 2024
Mahnoor Ali (C) at the US junior Open Squash Championships. — Reporter
Mahnoor Ali (C) at the US junior Open Squash Championships. — Reporter

Pakistan celebrated a historic evening on Tuesday as emerging squash stars Mahnoor Ali and Harmas Raja secured landmark victories at the US Junior Open Squash Championships, hosted at the Arlen Specter US Squash Centre in Philadelphia.

Mahnoor Ali’s triumph in the Girls' Under-13 category, along with Harmas Raja’s win in the Boys' Under-11 division, marked significant milestones for Pakistani squash. Their outstanding achievements not only highlighted their individual talent but also reinforced Pakistan’s stature on the global squash scene, instilling renewed optimism for the sport's future in the country.

Mahnoor Ali made history as the first Pakistani female player to claim the Girls' Under-13 title at the US Junior Open. Seeded third, she delivered an exceptional performance in the final, overcoming Egypt’s top seed, Linda Elsayed, 3-1, with scores of 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, and 11-6.

En route to her historic victory, Mahnoor showcased her dominance in the semi-finals with a commanding 3-1 win over Xyan Yin of Hong Kong.

Sharing her emotions on Instagram, Mahnoor called it a "dream come true," saying, “This victory is not just mine—it’s a win for Pakistan squash and for all young girls striving to make their mark. I hope this inspires others to believe in their dreams and work hard to achieve them.”

She credited her success to her coaches, Adil Atlas Khan in Pakistan and Kama Khan at the K2 Squash Club in the USA, as well as her sponsor, the BARD (Bilquis and Abdul Razzak Dawood) Foundation, for their unwavering support.

In the Boys' Under-11 category, Harmas Raja showcased exceptional skill, clinching the title with a straight-sets victory over the USA’s Archibald Anolik (11-8, 11-8, 11-8).

Harmas maintained remarkable form throughout the tournament, including a dominant 3-0 win against the USA’s Lukas Daly in the semi-finals.

The BARD Foundation, which sponsored Mahnoor, celebrated her historic win on Instagram, saying, “Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Mahnoor’s victory is more than just a win—it’s an inspiration for every young dreamer who dares to achieve the impossible.”

“She has not only made her mark on the global stage but has also brought immense pride to the nation!”