The prestigious Sri Lanka Junior Open Squash Championship 2026, a core event of the Asian Junior Super Series (AJSS), concluded at the Sri Lanka Air Force Squash Complex in Ratmalana recently.
Held from 28 January to 1 February, the tournament brought together the finest young athletes from across Asia, showcasing a week of high-intensity competition and sportsmanship.
As an ASF Silver Event and a registered WSF and PSA Regional Junior Open, the Championship attracted talented players from across Asia and beyond.
This international diversity not only elevated the level of play but also provided a vital platform for emerging athletes to gain world and Asian ranking points and international exposure.
The presence of foreign competitors fostered a unique cultural exchange, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international squash.
The final day delivered thrilling matches as players battled for supremacy across multiple age groups.
In the Boys’ U11 category Sri Lankan No.1 lost to top seed from Singapore Aiden Luo after a hard fought five-setter, while Jaiqi Wu from Singapore surprised top seed Ming Wai Anna Lai from Hong Kong in a hard fought four- setter in the Girls’ U11 category.
In the Boys U13 category Seng Hou Cayden from Macau-China emerged champion after beating Rex Lou from Singapore in another hard fought four-setter, while the girls U13 category was dominated by Malaysia with Hana Reia Haridharan emerging victorious over Sashana Istritharan.
Shresht Iyer from India beat Amirrezza Alvansaz Yazdi from Iran in the Boys’ U15 final, while Chanuni Thebuwana from Sri Lanka lost to Tiana Toorani from Iran which was stretched for another five-setter in the Girls’ U15 final.
Yousof Ghorashi from Iran stunned Abdul Ahad Butt from Pakistan in a nail biting five-setter to claim the Boys’ U17 title.
Ifra Booso from Sri Lanka lost in a hard fought five-setter to Iranian Parnian Najafi Marghmaleki in the Girls’ U17 final.
In the Girls’ U19 category Iran dominated with Parmin Nekopayan Tak winning in another hard fought five-setter over Baran Mohommadpour.
In the Boys’ Under-19 category Sri Lankan Junior National Champion lost to Erwin Kros Christopher from Malaysia after another toughly fought four-setter.
Hosting international tournaments like the Sri Lanka Junior Open is paramount for the development of the sport within the country.
For local juniors, it offers the rare opportunity to compete against top-tier international opponents on home soil, bridging the gap between local standards and global excellence.
Beyond the court, international Championships promote sports tourism, inviting athletes and their families to discover the beauty and spirit of Sri Lanka, effectively merging ‘sport with paradise’.
Sri Lanka Squash remains committed to hosting high-quality competitions, with future plans already in motion for the 2027 Asian Junior Squash Championships, ensuring a bright future for the next generation of champions.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kumara, graced the awards ceremony as chief guest, while Sri Lanka Squash Chief National selector Major General Tissa Jayasuriya, Fixed Income Sales Head Damian Rayan Capital Alliance PLC and BIC Middle East Trade Marketing Manager (South Asia) Ashan Gamage, graced the ceremony as guests of honour.
The winners of all groups were awarded prestigious Asian ranking points, while winners of U17 and U19 categories were awarded with PSA ranking points, solidifying their positions on the Asian and World Junior Ranking circuit.