TOKYO, Japan: Pakistan’s junior squash contingent has achieved a remarkable feat at the 37th Japan Junior Open Squash Championship 2026, securing gold medals in both participating categories.
The outstanding performances by Yahya Khan and Abu Bakar have brought immense pride to the nation and underscored the depth of talent emerging in Pakistan’s squash circuit.
Pakistan squash juniors shine gold at the 37th Japan Junior Open 2026, as Yahya Khan claimed top honors in the U-17 category, while Abu Bakar secured gold in the U-11 category, showcasing the bright future of Pakistan squash on the international stage.#PTVSports #PakistanSquash… pic.twitter.com/080umFtH42
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) August 26, 2026
Double triumph for Pakistan
Yahya Khan claimed the prestigious Under-17 championship title, while Abu Bakar emerged victorious in the Under-11 category. The two gold medals represent a memorable double for Pakistan, as both young athletes dominated their respective age divisions at the international event held in Japan .
The victories were widely celebrated by fans back home, with many taking to social media to praise the young athletes and express hope that their success would contribute to a bright future for Pakistan squash.
A growing legacy of young talent
The results in Japan add to a series of encouraging performances by young Pakistani squash players on the international stage. These achievements are part of a broader resurgence in Pakistan’s squash program, which has seen junior players deliver impressive results across multiple tournaments .
Pakistan’s junior squad had previously shown their mettle at the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in China, where the team secured a total of five medals, including two golds in the Boys’ Under-17 and Under-15 events .
The consistent success of Pakistan’s junior players reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its historic dominance in the sport, with the Pakistan Squash Federation actively working to develop and promote young talent.
Sana Bahadur: A symbol of resilience
Earlier this year, Sana Bahadur, a talented Pakistani squash player from Peshawar with hearing loss, also made headlines by winning the Challenger Bendigo Open Squash title in Melbourne, Australia .
Bahadur, who is entirely deaf and mute and relies on her father as her primary translator, has become a true symbol of resilience and determination in the sport . Her unwavering dedication on the squash courts continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, demonstrating that with perseverance and commitment, any obstacle can be overcome .
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The successes of Yahya Khan, Abu Bakar, and Sana Bahadur highlight the growing presence of Pakistani players in international squash competitions. These achievements come at a crucial time as Pakistan works to revive its squash legacy, with legendary players like Jahangir Khan emphasizing the need to unearth new talent and provide opportunities for young athletes .
The Pakistan Squash Federation and local associations have been actively organizing international tournaments and supporting players in their pursuit of excellence, aiming to create a robust pipeline of talent that can compete at the highest levels of the sport.
