Young Squash Star Sohail Adnan Urges Greater Support for Squash in Pakistan
Twelve-year-old Sohail Adnan, a rising squash sensation from Bahawalpur, has called on the Pakistani government and sports authorities to prioritize squash alongside cricket. Speaking to news sources after his historic victory, Adnan expressed his hope for more attention and resources for the sport at the grassroots level.
Adnan recently became the first Pakistani in 18 years to win gold at the Junior Open Squash Championship in the Under-13 category. He triumphed over Egypt’s top-seeded Moiz Tamir Al-Mughazi in a gripping five-game final at the University of Birmingham’s sports center.
“I’m overjoyed with this achievement, but my ultimate goal is to win for Pakistan,” Adnan said. Reflecting on the intense match, he added, “My coach and teammates really motivated me when I was trailing. I kept reminding myself that I was playing for Pakistan and its green flag, which pushed me to give my all and secure the win.”
The nail-biting final saw Adnan prevail with scores of 11-5, 5-11, 6-11, 11-7, and 11-5. Overwhelmed with emotion after his victory, Adnan celebrated by slamming his racket, raising his fist, and flinging his shirt into the air, as members of the small Pakistani contingent hoisted him on their shoulders.
Adnan’s passion for squash stems from his family’s involvement in the sport. “My father, uncle, and other family members play squash, so I started at a very young age—around five or six years old. It’s been over six years now, and this sport has become my life,” he shared.
Adnan’s recent triumph marks his third major title in a year, following victories at the Scottish Junior Open and Asian Junior Open. Looking ahead, he has set his sights on the World Junior Squash Championship in Cairo in 2025.
“This past year has been incredible for me. My next targets are the US Junior Championship and the World Junior Championship. My ultimate dream is to become a World Champion, and I’m determined to achieve it,” Adnan said. He expressed gratitude to Allah, his parents, coach Kashif Butt, and the Punjab Squash Association for their unwavering support.
Currently an eighth-grader, Adnan juggles his studies with training, which requires frequent travel to Lahore due to the lack of squash facilities in Bahawalpur. He urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the government to invest in squash infrastructure and development programs.
“In Pakistan, cricket gets most of the attention, but squash has so much untapped potential. If the government focuses more on squash, especially at the school level, we can produce more champions for Pakistan,” Adnan emphasized.
Adnan’s dedication and passion serve as a beacon of hope for the revival of squash in Pakistan, a nation with a rich history in the sport.
