Iranian junior, youth squash players reach semifinals in Sri Lanka
The International Junior and Youth Squash Championships are currently underway in Sri Lanka, where eight Iranian athletes have advanced to the semifinal stage, highlighting the country’s rising talent in the sport.
According to ISNA, the Iranian semifinalists include Parmin Nekoupayan and Baran Mohammadpour in the under-19 girls category, Parnian Najafi and Baran Rouhani in the under-17 girls category, Tiana Tourani in the under-15 girls category, Saleh Akhani in the under-19 boys category, Youssef Ghorashi in the under-17 boys category, and Amir Alvansaz in the under-15 boys category.
In the quarterfinals, the Iranian players achieved notable victories. Nekoupayan and Mohammadpour defeated Malaysian opponents, Najafi overcame an Indian competitor, and Rouhani beat a Sri Lankan player
Tourani secured a win against a Sri Lankan opponent, while Akhani defeated an Indian representative. Ghorashi overcame a Sri Lankan player, and Alvansaz claimed victory over a Sri Lankan competitor.
Earlier in the tournament, Ali Rahimi, Ali Azizi, Amir Mehdi Kharashadizadeh, Mostafa Ahrari, Amir Ata Mahjel Farid, Shaina Amiri, and Arina Shirkhaneqah were eliminated before reaching the semifinals.
The strong performance of these young Iranian athletes across multiple age groups reflects the strength of Iran’s junior and youth squash programs and demonstrates their ability to compete successfully on the international stage.