In a Historic moment for the country’s Squash Legacy, Pakistan is hosting the inaugural edition of U23 World Squash Championship in Karachi. The championship commenced from 6th April and will be played till 10th April 2025.
Hosting Rights For U23 World Squash Championship:
The country which gave birth to legends Jansher and Jahangir Khan, Pakistan has had a long-standing relationship with squash. Pakistan have secured the rights to host a major international squash event “ The U23 World Squash Championship” which will kick-off in Karachi. According to officials, this event is the largest multi-nation tournament in Pakistan’s history, surpassing the number of countries participating in any Hockey World Cups or Cricket Tournaments previously hosted by the country. The scale of this tournament, with its wide international representation, makes it a historic moment for Pakistan in terms of hosting major sporting events.
Pakistan Squash Federation President Zaheer Ahmad Babar praised the PSF team, wishing them success and assuring them of full support from both Pakistan Squash and Sindh Squash in achieving their goals. He further emphasized that Pakistan Squash is committed to hosting major events with the vision of making Pakistan the future hub for squash championships.
Karachi As A Host City:
Karachi, mostly known for enhancing Pakistan’s Sports Legacy and producing world class athletes, has hosted many international squash tournaments in the past and it’s ready to stage another major squash event.
“Karachi is a great choice to host the first edition of the championships, with Pakistan famous for producing some of the finest athletes in the history of the sport, including our Emeritus President Jahangir Khan, as well as a promising grassroots scene,” Zaheer Ahmad Babar, President of the PSF, stated.
The Tournament:
The tournament features a men’s singles event and a women’s singles event, Each championship will feature 32 players in total. Each event will allow a maximum of two participants from each National Federation. Players will have the chance to win a portion of the $60,000 USD prize pool and earn PSA ranking points for their participation along with a spot in the PSA World Championships for the winners.
WSF CEO William Louis-Marie said, “The WSF U23 World Squash Championship represents a great development for the global squash community”.
“It will give up and coming players from all over the world the opportunity to test their skills against the world’s best, as well as provide an invaluable bridge between the WSF World Junior Championships and senior events,” he added.
The matches are being held in knock-out format. The tournament features some of the best players from around the world.
Participating Nations:
The U23 World Squash Championship will see a diverse range of nations competing, including powerhouses such as Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, and France. Additionally, countries like England, the United States, and Japan will also be sending their top emerging talent to the event. With strong representation from regions around the world, including the Netherlands, Spain, and South Africa, this championship promises to be an exciting showcase of the future stars of squash.
Pakistan’s Contingent:
Pakistan’s contingent for the 2025 U23 World Squash Championship includes a talented group of athletes, ready to showcase their skills on the international stage. Representing Pakistan will be Mariam Malik, Amna Fayyaz, and Sana Bahadar in the women’s category, while Muhammad Ammad, Muhammad Hamza Khan, and Noor Zaman are competing in the men’s category. This strong lineup reflects Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to squash, continuing the legacy of legendary players like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. With such talent on display, Pakistan aims to make a lasting impact at the championship and reinforce its rich history in the sport.
For these young athletes, the tournament presents a remarkable opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage, especially with squash being added to the LA28 Olympics, marking a new era for the sport.
Where to Watch?
The U23 World Squash Championships will be streamed for free on WORLDSQUASH.TV plus partner channels, including Tamasha, MyCoo and the Olympic Channel (later stages only).
Also Read: Pakistan Squash: The Rise and Fall
Conclusion:
The successful bid to host the U23 World Squash Championship reflects strong collaboration between the Pakistan Squash Federation, Sindh Squash Federation, and DHA Karachi. For players like Noor Zaman, competing at home offers pride and responsibility, while local players gain invaluable experience alongside top global talent. The event will drive investment in squash infrastructure, inspire youth to take up the sport, and promote international collaboration. With increased media attention, it will also raise the profile of squash in Pakistan and attract more support for the sport at all levels.
