Sohail Adnan, from Pakistan, made history by clinching the U-13 title at the 2025 British Junior Open Squash Championship. He became the first athlete from his country to earn gold in this tournament since Nasir Iqbal’s win in 2007.
Adnan secured the title by defeating Egypt’s top-seeded player, Moiz Tamir Al-Mughazi, in a closely contested final with scores of 11-5, 5-11, 6-11, 11-7, 11-5. This victory recalls Pakistan’s glorious past in squash.
Adnan also won the US and Scottish Junior Opens in December of the previous year.
Earlier in the tournament, Adnan made it to the top eight by defeating Malaysia’s Wain Isaac Wilson with scores of 11-4, 11-7, 11-5 in the pre-quarterfinals. He demonstrated his prowess by winning against Germany’s Mats Oliver Efken and Scotland’s Calum Smith with a 3-0 score each match.
Proud moment for Pakistan! 🇵🇰✨
We @PakInBirmingham were honoured to witness Sohail Adnan's incredible victory at the U13 British Junior Open Squash Championship in Birmingham.
Congratulations to the young champion! 🎉👏🏆@PakistaninUK @PkPublicDiplo pic.twitter.com/LFRdH8Fg0W
— Pakistan Consulate Birmingham (@PakInBirmingham) January 6, 2025In June 2024, Adnan was among eight Pakistani players who reached the semi-finals at Islamabad’s 31st Junior Individual Squash Championship. He impressively won the quarter-finals in the U-13 category against Singapore’s 13th seed, Jackrish Kumar, with an 11-0, 11-7, 11-3 victory.
Following his recent triumph, President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Adnan, celebrating the end of an 18-year wait for this title. He commended Adnan for bringing honour to Pakistan in squash and expressed hopes for his continued success.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also extended his congratulations, praising Adnan’s significant accomplishment. “Sohail Adnan has brought great honour to Pakistan by clinching this title,” Naqvi remarked. “His remarkable achievement of securing this championship after 18 years has elevated the green flag on an international stage.”
Naqvi further highlighted the national pride of this victory, acknowledging Adnan’s exceptional performance and the hard work and determination that led to his success.
