Prague, Czech Republic — January 19, 2026: Pakistani junior squash stars delivered a standout performance at the World Squash Federation (WSF) Czech Junior Open 2026, capturing both gold and bronze medals in one of Europe’s most competitive junior squash events. The wins reaffirm Pakistan’s rising stature in international junior squash and highlight the nation’s deep pool of emerging talent.
In the Girls Under-15 category, Mahnoor Ali clinched the gold medal in a thrilling final against Czech Republic’s Johana Jedličková, prevailing 3–2 in a tightly contested match. This victory marked a significant milestone in Mahnoor’s career and further cemented her reputation as one of Pakistan’s most successful junior squash players.
Mahnoor’s triumph in Prague was a testament to her skill, stamina, and strategic play — attributes that have helped her achieve an impressive tally of international medals at a young age. Her resilience under pressure was evident throughout the tournament, where she overcame tough competition to reach the final and ultimately lift the gold medal for Pakistan.
Not far behind in success was Sehrish Ali, Mahnoor’s sister, who added a bronze medal to Pakistan’s overall haul. Sehrish demonstrated tenacity and competitive grit throughout the event, ultimately securing a podium finish in the Girls U15 division. Her bronze medal highlights the strength of Pakistan’s junior squash program and the growing impact of the Ali sisters on the global circuit.
A Tournament Marked by Triumph and Turmoil
The Czech Junior Open wasn’t without its dramatic moments. Another talented member of the Ali family, Mehwish Ali, was competing in the Girls Under-17 category and had reached the semifinals in commanding fashion. However, Mehwish suffered a serious injury during her match after a collision with her opponent in the fourth game — an incident that forced play to stop and led to her being rushed to a local hospital for intensive care.
Spectators and officials alike expressed deep concern as medical staff attended to Mehwish on court before transferring her to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Family members later confirmed that Mehwish’s condition had stabilized, and she was reported to be recovering under medical supervision, with fans and fellow athletes offering their prayers and well-wishes for her full recovery.
While the injury was an unfortunate moment in an otherwise exciting week of squash, it underscored the physical intensity and competitive fervor that define high-level junior tournaments like the Czech Junior Open.
Pakistan’s Growing Junior Squash Legacy
Pakistan has a rich legacy in squash, once dominating the sport with legends like Jansher and Jahangir Khan. In recent years, the country’s focus on grassroots and junior development has begun to pay dividends again. Junior players such as Mahnoor and Sehrish Ali are emblematic of this resurgence, showcasing skill, competitiveness, and international promise.
The success at the Czech Junior Open also echoes Pakistan’s strong performance at other major junior events. For example, earlier competitions such as the Asian Junior Squash Championships saw Pakistani players winning multiple medals, further highlighting the nation’s depth in young squash talent.
Looking Ahead
With promising talents like Mahnoor and Sehrish leading the charge, Pakistan’s future in international squash seems bright. Their performances in Prague not only brought home medals but also valuable experience against top junior players from around the world — a key factor in developing world-class competitors.
As the global junior squash calendar progresses, fans and sports officials alike will be watching closely to see how these rising stars — and their peers — continue to make Pakistan proud on the world stage. Until then, the country celebrates a memorable showing at the WSF Czech Junior Open 2026, where ambition, skill, and national pride shone brightly in the heart of Europe.
