The Asian Junior Team Squash Championships, held every alternate year, determine which junior squash team in Asia reigns supreme in the boys’ and girls’ categories.
Organised by the Asian Squash Federation, the tournament showcases the region’s top junior talent.
The 22nd edition of the Asian Junior Team Championships took place at the Hong Kong Squash Centre from February 12 to 16, 2025.
Sunday became a double celebration for Team India, as both the men’s and women’s teams claimed bronze medals at the continental meet.
The Indian men’s team, seeded fourth, faced a tough challenge in the semi-finals, where they were defeated by second-seeded Malaysia 1-2 but secured the bronze.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team, seeded third, also reached the semi-finals, where they lost 1-2 to the hosts, Hong Kong, who went on to become the eventual champions.
In the Asian Junior Team Championships, losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals.
Women’s Semi-Final Recap
In the women’s semi-final, Cheung Tsz Ching of Hong Kong won the first match by defeating Anika Dubey in straight sets, 3-0.
However, India’s rising star, Anahat Singh, showed remarkable composure and mounted a strong comeback, defeating Leung Ka Huen 3-0 to level the score.
The final match saw Kwong Ena of Hong Kong defeat Akanksha Gupta in straight sets, ending the Indian women’s run at the championships.
Men’s Semi-Final Recap
The Indian men’s team started the semi-final on a high note, with Yusha Nafees winning his match 3-1 against Altamis Sufian. But Malaysia’s Harith Danial Jefribrought the contest level by defeating Arihant Kalamangalam Sunil in straight sets.
The deciding match saw Sandhesh Palanivel Ravikumar go down to Nickhileswar Moganasundharam 3-1 in a grueling 57-minute encounter, ultimately ending Team India’s hopes of reaching the final.
Overall Performance
Anahat Singh and Yusha Nafees delivered strong performances in the semi-finals, but their wins weren’t enough to secure the final spot for India. Both the men’s and women’s teams had advanced to the knockouts after finishing second in their respective groups.
This marks the 19th medal for the Indian men’s team at the biennial event, while the women’s team earned their 12th medal.
India’s medal tally now stands as follows: The men’s team, which claimed gold in 2011 and 2017, has won 19 medals (2 gold, 6 silver, 11 bronze), while the women’s team, who won gold in 2003 and 2013, has earned 12 medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 8 bronze) in the tournament’s history.
Historic Victories for Korea and Hong Kong
On Sunday, the Republic of Korea made history by winning their first-ever Asian Junior Team Championship in the men’s category.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong, China’s women’s team ended Malaysia’s decade-long dominance by clinching the title for the first time in 14 years. The Republic of Korea had never previously reached the final of the Asian Junior Team Championships, which have been held biennially since 1983.
