Amina Orfi, already a global sensation at just 18 years old, achieved an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first player to win the World Junior Championship title four times. Orfi’s victory over compatriot Nadien Elhammamy in the finals was nothing short of commanding. She clinched the match in straight games, 11-7, 11-5, 11-5, showcasing her unmatched consistency and precision on the court. This triumph places her ahead of the legendary Nour El Sherbini, who was present among the audience and has been a source of inspiration for Orfi since her childhood.
Reflecting on her achievement, Orfi stated, “I can’t believe it – I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was 10 years old. Winning in front of my home crowd makes it even more special.”
On the men’s side, Mohamad Zakaria demonstrated his prowess by defeating fellow Egyptian Marwan Asal with a decisive 3-0 victory. Zakaria’s impeccable defense and strategic play kept Asal at bay, as he secured the championship with scores of 11-5, 11-3, and 11-4. This win extends Zakaria’s unbeaten streak in the World Juniors to 13 matches without dropping a game since the 2023 finals.
Zakaria expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, “It feels amazing to win in front of my parents and these legends. It’s been an incredible week, and I’m thankful for the support of my team, my family, and this amazing crowd.”
The event, which ran from July 21-26, gathered top junior talent from around the globe, culminating in a celebration of Egypt’s rich squash legacy. The country’s passion for the sport was evident in the packed stands and the presence of past champions who lent their support.
World Squash President Zena Wooldridge praised the event’s success, commenting, “The atmosphere here has been fantastic. Egypt’s support for squash is unparalleled, and the Black Ball Sporting Club has proven to be an exceptional venue for the championships.”
As the championships draw to a close, the spotlight remains on Egypt, a nation that continues to produce world-class squash talent. With Orfi and Zakaria leading the charge, the future of Egyptian squash looks brighter than ever.
