Pakistan is set to make history by hosting the inaugural U23 World Squash Championship in April 2025. This groundbreaking event, scheduled from April 6-10 in Karachi, will be the first of its kind and marks a significant milestone for squash in the country.

The tournament will feature 32 players each in the men’s and women’s singles categories, competing for a total prize pool of $60,000 and valuable PSA ranking points. This championship is envisioned as a bridge between the World Junior Squash Championships and senior-level events, offering young players a platform to showcase their talent and grow within the sport.

A Long-Awaited Milestone

This marks Pakistan’s return to the global squash stage after two decades, with the last major squash event hosted in 2005. Karachi, a city steeped in squash history, is an ideal choice for this prestigious event.

Zaheer Ahmad Babar, President of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), expressed pride in hosting the championship:

“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.”

Global Impact and Local Growth

William Louis-Marie, CEO of the World Squash Federation (WSF), emphasized the event’s significance:

“The WSF U23 World Squash Championship represents a great development for the global squash community.”

PSF Senior Vice President Kazim Hammad added:

“This new initiative will encourage young players to continue training for another five years to wear the coveted world crown. Pakistan squash will go all out to ensure this new venture is successful.”

The championship aims to inspire a new generation of players, rejuvenating Pakistan’s legacy as a squash powerhouse.

Jansher Khan Inducted into PSA Hall of Fame

Adding to the excitement, legendary Pakistani squash player Jansher Khan was recently inducted into the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Hall of Fame, alongside Nicol David. This honor celebrates Jansher’s monumental contributions to the sport, including eight World Championships, six British Open titles, and a record-breaking 97-month reign as World No.1.

Conclusion

The U23 World Squash Championship 2025 not only marks Pakistan’s resurgence on the international squash stage but also reinforces its legacy as a hub for world-class talent. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to this historic event begins!