LAHORE: Pakistan’s rising squash sensation and Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation Fellow, Umair Arif, has been crowned champion of the Jessica Company Hong Kong Junior Squash Open 2026, defeating Luke McBride (England) in a thrilling five-game final to claim one of Asia’s most prestigious junior squash titles.
The Jessica Company Hong Kong Junior Squash Open is one of the world’s premier junior squash championships, attracting top-ranked young players from across the globe. Throughout the tournament, Umair displayed exceptional skill, determination, resilience, and sportsmanship, producing a series of outstanding performances on his way to lifting the coveted title.
His triumph also adds another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s rich squash history. Legendary Pakistani squash player Jansher Khan won the Hong Kong Junior Championship in 1985, and four decades later, Umair Arif has continued that proud legacy by bringing the prestigious title back to Pakistan.
After his victory, Umair Arif, said, “I am extremely happy to have won the Jessica Company Hong Kong Junior Squash Open 2026. I have been preparing for this tournament for a long time by competing in both local and international events, and all the hard work has finally paid off. Winning this title is a proud moment for me and for Pakistan. I would like to sincerely thank the Pakistan Squash Federation and the BARD Foundation for their continuous support, encouragement, and belief in my journey.”
Congratulating Umair on his remarkable achievement, Abdul Razak Dawood, President of the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation, said, “The Jessica Company Hong Kong Junior Squash Open is one of the most competitive junior squash tournaments, attracting some of the world’s highest-ranked young players. We are immensely proud that our BARD Fellow, Umair Arif, has emerged as the champion. His victory is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and talent. We congratulate Umair on this outstanding achievement and wish him continued success as he continues to represent Pakistan on the international stage.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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