Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali was crowned the Under-13 champion at the US Junior Squash Open while compatriot Muhammad Harmas Ali Raja took home the U11 title at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Ali beat Egypt’s Linda Elsayed 11-8, 12-10 before taking a setback in third set with a 5-11 loss. However, the 11-year-old made a solid comeback 11-6 to win the fourth set and U13 title, becoming the first Pakistani to do so.
The U13 Asian No 2 has remained undefeated throughout the tournament, which has seen more than 1,200 players from over 40 countries.
Meanwhile, Raja stormed to victory over USA’s Archibald Anolik in 11-8, 11-8, 11-8.
Like Ali, the preteen maintained a winning streak throughout the competition. As of November 2024, Raja was ranked U11 No 1 in Pakistan.
Ali’s win capped off a stellar year of international titles across Asia, Europe, and now North America.
Her sponsors, the BARD (Bilquis and Abdul Razzak Dawood) Foundation, called her journey “a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work.
