The US Junior Squash Championship 2024 witnessed an outstanding performance by Pakistan’s rising stars, Mahnoor Ali and Harmas Raja, who both claimed top honors at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia. Mahnoor Ali triumphed in the Under-13 category, while Raja dominated in the U11 division, making history for Pakistan on the international squash stage.
Mahnoor Ali’s Triumph in the U13 Category
In a thrilling final, Mahnoor Ali defeated Egypt’s Linda Elsayed with scores of 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, and 11-6. Despite a setback in the third set, Ali’s resilience shone through as she made a remarkable comeback in the fourth set to secure the US Junior Squash Championship 2024 title.
This victory made Ali the first Pakistani to win the U13 title, capping off an unbeaten run throughout the tournament. With more than 1,200 players from over 40 countries competing, Ali’s victory in the US Junior Squash Championship 2024 is a testament to her exceptional skill and determination.
Harmas Raja Conquers U11 Division
In the U11 final, Harmas Raja extended Pakistan’s success by effortlessly defeating the USA’s Archibald Anolik, securing a 3-0 victory with scores of 11-8, 11-8, and 11-8. Harmas Raja, who was ranked U11 No. 1 in Pakistan as of November 2024, showed a commanding performance, keeping his winning streak intact throughout the tournament. His victory added to the growing success of young Pakistani athletes in squash.
A Year of Success for Mahnoor Ali
Mahnoor Ali’s US Junior Squash Championship 2024 victory caps off a year of remarkable achievements for the young star. Having already claimed titles in Asia and Europe, her success in North America underscores her growing international reputation.
Her sponsors, the BARD (Bilquis and Abdul Razzak Dawood) Foundation, celebrated her victory as a symbol of passion, perseverance, and hard work. The Foundation expressed their pride in supporting Ali, emphasizing that her win is an inspiration to young athletes worldwide.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Pakistani Squash
The triumphs of Mahnoor Ali and Harmas Raja at the US Junior Squash Championship 2024 have made a significant impact on the global squash scene. Their victories highlight the immense potential of young Pakistani athletes and demonstrate the power of dedication and support in achieving greatness. As both players continue to excel, Pakistan’s future in squash looks exceptionally bright.
Pakistani squash star Huzaifa Shahid made the nation proud by winning the prestigious Under-13 title at the Japan Junior Open Squash 2024. Competing against top players under 15, Huzaifa delivered an outstanding performance, defeating China’s Yuan Xi Liu 3-0 in the final, securing his place as a rising junior squash champion.
