Egypt once again proved its strength in world squash by winning both the men’s and women’s World Squash Junior Team Championship titles. The victories completed another successful campaign for the country and highlighted its continued dominance in junior squash.
The World Squash Junior Championships brought together the top under-19 players from around the world. Individual competitions were held from July 20 to July 25, while the team championships took place from July 26 to July 31.
The Egypt Junior Squash Titles campaign began with the women’s final, where Egypt faced fourth-seeded Malaysia. Egypt entered the match aiming for an 11th consecutive women’s team championship and a 13th overall title.
The Egyptian team made a tactical change before the final by moving Malika Elkaraksy to the first position in the lineup. The decision quickly paid off as she delivered a strong performance against Malaysia’s Whitney Wilson.
Elkaraksy took control early and won the first two games 11-7 and 11-5. Wilson fought back in the third game and came close to extending the match. However, Elkaraksy remained calm under pressure and saved a game point before securing a 12-10 win to complete a straight-games victory.
Her win gave Egypt a 1-0 lead and moved the team one step closer to another world title.
Sixteen-year-old Habiba Rizk then stepped onto the court against Malaysia’s Doyce Ye San Lee. Rizk quickly gained control of the match and showed why she is regarded as one of the brightest young players in the sport.
Lee struggled to match Rizk’s pace and accuracy. The Egyptian star dominated from start to finish and won 11-2, 11-3, 11-3. The victory sealed a 2-0 win for Egypt and secured another women’s world team championship.
The success extended Egypt’s remarkable run at the junior level and added another chapter to the country’s rich squash history.
The Egypt Junior Squash Titles story continued in the men’s final, where top-seeded Egypt faced second-seeded United States.
Mohamad Zakaria opened the tie against Yaseen Shalaby. Zakaria entered the match as the reigning World Junior Individual champion and one of the strongest players in the tournament.
He controlled the match from the beginning and won the first two games 11-5 and 11-6. Zakaria maintained the same high level in the third game and completed an 11-4 victory.
The result was another impressive achievement for Zakaria. He finished the final 33 matches of his World Junior career without losing a single game. The streak stretched back to a defeat at the 2023 championship.
With Egypt leading 1-0, Seifeldin Refaay took the court against Brendan Tagliarini in the second match.
Refaay made a confident start and won the opening game 11-3. He continued to dominate the rallies and claimed the second game 11-5. With the title within reach, he remained focused and sealed the third game 11-3.
His victory completed a 2-0 win over the United States and secured Egypt’s third consecutive men’s World Squash Junior Team Championship.
The latest triumph also marked Egypt’s ninth men’s world junior team title. The result further strengthened the nation’s position as the leading force in junior squash.
Throughout the tournament, Egyptian players displayed outstanding skill, discipline, and consistency. Both teams moved through the competition with confidence and delivered their best performances when it mattered most.
The Egypt Junior Squash Titles success reflects the country’s strong development system and continued investment in young talent. With several rising stars already competing at a high level, Egypt appears well positioned to remain a major force in world squash for years to come.
The championship victories capped a memorable week for Egyptian squash and reinforced the country’s reputation as the global leader in the sport’s junior ranks.
