The Pakistan junior squash withdrawal from two major international tournaments has sent shockwaves through the global squash community. The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has officially decided to pull its players out of the US Open Junior Squash Championship 2025 and the British Open Junior Squash Championship 2026, citing strong protest against decisions taken by the event organizers regarding player age categories.
This unexpected move has raised serious questions about fairness, transparency, and the treatment of Pakistani athletes at elite junior-level competitions.
What Led to the Withdrawal?
According to highly informed sources, the Pakistan junior squash withdrawal was triggered after organizers of both tournaments altered the playing categories of several Pakistani players. These changes were made after organizers expressed doubts over players’ ages, despite the fact that the athletes were registered through official channels.
The situation escalated further when both the World Squash Federation (WSF) and the European Squash Federation (ESF) ratified the organizers’ decisions, leaving the Pakistan Squash Federation with little room for negotiation.
Tournaments Affected
Pakistan has decided not to participate in:
- US Open Junior Squash Championship 2025
Scheduled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from December 20 to 23 - Centennial British Open Junior Squash Championship 2026
Scheduled in Birmingham from January 2 to 6
Both tournaments are considered among the most prestigious junior squash events in the world, making the Pakistan junior squash withdrawal a major development in international junior sports.
Pakistani Players’ Categories Changed
The core issue revolves around the reclassification of Pakistani players into different age groups. According to sources, the following changes were made:
- Raheel Victor: Boys Under-19 ➝ Under-13
- Muhammad Ali Rajas: Under-13 ➝ Under-15
- Noman Khan & Ahmed Ryan Khan: Under-15 ➝ Under-17
- Azan Ali Khan, Muhammad Umair Arif & Obaidullah: Under-17 ➝ Under-19
- Mahnoor Ali (Peshawar): Girls Under-13 ➝ Under-15
Mahnoor Ali, notably, is a highly accomplished player with dozens of international titles. Her reclassification has been particularly controversial and symbolic of the wider concerns behind the Pakistan junior squash withdrawal.
Additionally, other players such as Abdullah Nawaz and Muhammad Yahya Khan were also affected by category changes.
Players Already in the US
What makes the situation more troubling is that several Pakistani players had already arrived in the United States and were undergoing intensive practice sessions for the US Open Junior Championship. Other players were scheduled to depart shortly.
The sudden changes and subsequent withdrawal decision have caused emotional distress, logistical complications, and financial losses for players and their families. This has further intensified criticism within Pakistan’s squash community.
Reaction Within Pakistan
The Pakistan junior squash withdrawal has caused widespread concern among former players, coaches, and officials. Many believe that Pakistani juniors were unfairly targeted, especially given their strong performances in recent years.
Last year, Pakistani players delivered outstanding results in both the US Open Junior and British Junior Open championships. Expectations were high that this year’s contingent would repeat or even surpass those achievements.
Federation’s Stance
The Pakistan Squash Federation views this move as a matter of principle. Officials argue that accepting such unilateral changes would set a dangerous precedent for Pakistani athletes in future international competitions.
By choosing withdrawal over compliance, the PSF aims to send a strong message regarding respect, equal treatment, and due process in global sports governance. The Pakistan junior squash withdrawal is therefore being framed not as a retreat, but as a stand against what the federation perceives as discrimination and injustice.
Broader Implications
This episode highlights a recurring challenge faced by athletes from developing sporting nations: credibility battles, administrative hurdles, and unequal scrutiny. If unresolved, such disputes risk discouraging young talent and damaging trust in international sporting bodies.
The Pakistan junior squash withdrawal may also prompt renewed dialogue on standardized age verification systems and clearer dispute-resolution mechanisms to prevent similar controversies in the future.
The withdrawal of Pakistan’s junior squash players from two world-class tournaments is a significant and troubling development. While it deprives young athletes of valuable exposure, it also underscores deeper issues within international sports administration.
As the situation unfolds, the global squash community will be watching closely to see whether dialogue, reform, and fairness can prevail — ensuring that talent, not controversy, defines the future of junior squash.
