2024 has been a remarkable period for Squash, marked by exceptional performances, emerging talents, and significant milestones that have elevated the sport’s global profile.
Major Tournaments and Highlights
The PSA World Squash Championships held in Cairo, Egypt, were a focal point of the year. The men’s championship witnessed Diego Elías clinching the title after a series of impressive matches, culminating in a victory over Mostafa Asal in the final. This triumph underscored Elías’s skill and determination and highlighted the competitive spirit prevalent throughout the tournament.
In addition to the World Championships, the Canada Open showcased a high-calibre match with Belgium’s World #6 Tinne Gilis, who produced a fantastic performance on finals night in Toronto, downing defending champion Amanda Sobhy 3-0 to claim the Canadian Women’s Open 2024 title, downing defending champion Amanda Sobhy in a high quality final.
Emerging Talents
The year also spotlighted several breakout stars who have made significant strides on the PSA Tour. These players have demonstrated exceptional skill and have been pivotal in intensifying the competition, indicating a promising future for Squash.
India’s Anahat Singh won the women’s singles title at the Western India Slam 2024 squash tournament, a PSA Challenger event, in Mumbai, India.
Mohamad Zakaria has been crowned the youngest-ever men’s WSF World Junior Squash Champion after overcoming tournament surprise package Joo Young Na of the Republic of Korea. Having lost in the 2023 final in Melbourne, Zakaria redeemed himself to beat Na, a firm favourite, in the final, from which the 16-year-old Egyptian didn’t drop a game during an efficient run, to win the championship and join the ranks of legendary Egyptian Squash players who have won the junior world championship.
Meanwhile, in Guyana, Emily Fung-A-Fat emerged victorious in both the Girls’ Under-15 and Under-19 categories on day five of the Woodpecker National Junior Squash Championships, powered by ENet, held at the Georgetown Club Courts. In the Under-15 final, Fung-A-Fat triumphed over Jnae Singh with an emphatic 11-4, 11-0, 11-3 victory. She then showcased her resilience in the Under-19 final, overcoming a first-set loss to defeat Georgiana Fernandes in a thrilling five-set match, winning 5-11, 12-10, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8.
Jamaican girls team reap success in Caribbean Junior Squash.
The female team representing Jamaica at the 30th edition of the Junior Caribbean Squash Championship recently held in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, brought home six medals – two gold; three silver and one bronze.
Mehar Trehan was the sole gold medallist in the individual competition, defending her title in the Under-17 Girls’ category, defeating her compatriot, Elle Wilson, 3-0.
The doubles partnership of Sanjana Nallapati (captain) and Katherine Risden, captured the gold, defeating their Barbadian counterparts and number 1 seed of Eboni Atherley and Joanna Atkins 2-1. The Jamaican duo had to overcome a 1-set deficit to defeat the Bajans in a closely contested final: 9/11, 11/6, 11/9.
History made at US Junior Open Squash
The 2024 U.S. Junior Open Squash Championships saw history made with successes for Egypt, Pakistan and home favourites USA.
Squash star Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja has made history by winning the gold medal at the US Junior Open Squash Championship 2024, becoming the first Pakistani to clinch the Under-11 Boys’ title in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, for the first time in the tournament’s thirty-five-year history, Egypt claimed both of the U19 titles as Marwan Assal, the 2023 BU17 champion, and Barb Sameh fulfilled their top seedings.
Meanwhile, the GU11 division produced another five-game final between the American top two seeds. Two seed Alice Wang came back to defeat top seed Ariana Valerio 3-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 13-11.
Technological Advancements in Squash
DigiMithril is set to revolutionize squash refereeing with its cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Founded by the visionary tech entrepreneur Pragun Seth, DigiMithril has developed IntelliReferee, a sophisticated AI platform designed to identify interference in squash matches and make precise, objective decisions in real time. This innovative platform will make its debut at major events during the 2024-25 PSA Squash Tour season, with ambitious plans for future integration into the refereeing process.
Burrowes, Nallapati win inaugural Jamaica invitational Squash tournament.
Bruce Burrowes and Sanjana Nallapati were crowned champions of the inaugural Jamaica Invitational Squash tournament at the Liguanea Club last Saturday. The four-day tournament attracted three overseas players from Guyana, The Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The final match of the tournament promised fireworks between the number one seed Ashante Smith, who played a gruelling five-setter semi-final the night before against Jonathan Hope of The Bahamas, and the number two seed Bruce Burrowes, who defeated Stephan Morrison in a straight sets semi-final.
Grassroots Development and Diversity
Grassroots initiatives saw an increase in participation rates, particularly among youth and underrepresented groups. Campaigns aimed at increasing diversity in the sport have had tangible results, with programmes designed to reach new communities in regions like Africa and America. These efforts not only grew the sport but also brought fresh perspectives and talent to Squash.
One such grassroots development that made the headlines in 2024 was Access Youth Academy, an urban Squash initiative based in California that has launched three new programs in Los Angeles aimed at raising the profile of Squash at the grassroots level in anticipation of its inclusion in the LA28 Olympic Games.
Created in partnership with US Squash, Access Youth Academy has introduced the PlayLA Programme, the Access Youth Academy After School Programme, and the Public School Programme.
These initiatives have introduced thousands of children across the city to the sport of Squash and working towards future grassroots efforts to help extend the sport’s reach ahead of its exciting debut at the LA28 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, the Jacob Esuene Sports Club – our partners in Nigeria continued to prosper with their mission to grow Squash participation in Nigeria.
PWC backs junior Squash in Isle of Man
Isle of Man Squash has secured a sponsorship deal with PwC to help with the development of junior players on the island.
The professional services firm’s financial backing of £4,000 over three years is helping to fund term-time Squash training sessions and subsidised kit and equipment.
The initiative aims to encourage sporting engagement with new and existing junior players, including children in Isle of Man Squash’s junior academy who participate competitively on and off the island.
Squash Media and Digital Growth
In 2024, Squash expanded its presence in digital media. Platforms like Squash TV experienced record viewership, helped by improved accessibility and more diverse content. Social media campaigns amplified the visibility of players, and fan interaction reached new heights through live Q&A sessions, match insights, and behind-the-scenes content.
Podcasts and YouTube channels dedicated to Squash also gained popularity, providing fans with an in-depth look at the sport, from tactics to player profiles. This media expansion has been crucial in broadening the global appeal of Squash.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, the Squash world is brimming with anticipation for the upcoming season. Key developments include further preparation for Squash’s Olympic debut in 2028, new talent emerging from the juniors’ circuit, and potential expansions in tournament formats. With increasing global interest, Squash seems well-positioned to reach new heights in 2025 and beyond.
This year has been a testament to the sport’s resilience, innovation, and ability to captivate a growing audience. Whether a seasoned player or a new fan, 2024 offered something memorable for everyone in the Squash community.
