Pakistan juniors depart for Egypt for championship, elite squash training camp

A group of Pakistan's emerging squash players and a senior coach left for Egypt on Wednesday to compete in the Egyptian Junior Open 2026 and take part in a three-week elite training programme.

HThe country seeks to rebuild its standing in a sport it once dominated.

The delegation comprises senior squash coach Tahir Iqbal Khan and junior players Danish Sikander and Ubaidullah from the Directorate General of Sports, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alongside Punjab's Sohail Adnan and Muhammad Mustafa.

In addition to competing in the Egyptian Junior Open, the squad will undergo intensive training under renowned Egyptian coach Omar Abdel Aziz, providing the young players with exposure to one of the world's most successful squash development systems.

Egypt has established itself as the dominant force in international squash over the past two decades, producing numerous world champions through its highly competitive domestic circuit and structured youth development programmes. Pakistani officials hope the training camp will help bridge the gap by exposing players and coaches to modern training methods, tactical preparation and international competition standards.

"This is an excellent opportunity for our young players and coaching staff to learn from one of the world's leading squash nations," Tahir Iqbal said before the team's departure.

"The experience gained in Egypt will not only improve the technical and tactical abilities of our players but will also help us introduce modern coaching methods back home, contributing to the long-term development of squash, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," he added.

Pakistan, once the undisputed powerhouse of world squash through legends such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, has struggled to maintain its dominance in recent decades as Egypt emerged as the sport's leading nation.

Officials believe regular participation in international junior tournaments and overseas training programmes is essential to developing the next generation of Pakistani players capable of competing at the highest level.

Khan thanked the Directorate General of Sports, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Squash Association, the Markhor Squash Foundation and the BARD Foundation for supporting the tour, including the completion of visa formalities and travel arrangements.

The three-week programme is expected to include advanced technical coaching, fitness conditioning, match analysis and practice sessions with leading Egyptian juniors, giving the Pakistani contingent valuable international exposure ahead of future regional and global competitions.

Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan's grassroots squash structure by investing in junior talent and enhancing the capabilities of local coaches.

The players are expected to return to Pakistan after completing both the championship and the training camp later this month.