06 Feb 2025
Aspire Academy's student-athletes delivered exceptional performances at the Slovenian Junior Squash Open 2025. They secured podium finishes in three age categories, demonstrating their talent on the international stage.
The tournament featured players from around the world, and the Aspire Academy student-athletes showcased impressive skills as their development continued.
Aspire Academy players dominated the under-15 event, with Talal Al Badr defeating his fellow student-athlete Omar Farag to clinch the title after a competitive match.
There were also runners-up spots for Ali Ouda in the under-17s and Hassan Alian in the under-13s. Abdulla Al-Sharshani narrowly missed out on a podium finish as he lost in the semi-finals of the under-13s and eventually finished 4th overall.
Aspire Academy's Senior Squash Coach, Francesco Busi, praised the athletes for their commitment and strong performances: "I am extremely happy with the group for their effort and the results they produced. They have trained very hard over the past months, and I am pleased to see their hard work rewarded with such great performances. This is a fantastic achievement for Aspire Academy."
Coach Umair Zaman, who graduated from Aspire Academy in 2020, echoed those sentiments: "The tournament was highly competitive, and our players showcased incredible skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. It was an unforgettable achievement for Aspire squash."
Commitment to Developing Future Champions
The Slovenian Junior Open also provided an opportunity for three other Aspire Academy student-athletes to compete at a high level and gain valuable experience as they strive for professional success. Nasser Al Sharshani eventually finished 15th in the under-19s, Mohammed Al-Khalaf 6th in the under-17s, and Hamad Al Khalaf 11th in the under-15s.
Several of the players are now preparing to participate in the French Junior Open in Lille, which begins on 11 February. Aspire Academy's participation in international tournaments is part of its broader commitment to developing world-class squash players.
With podium finishes across multiple categories, Aspire Academy continues to reinforce its reputation as a leading institution for squash development, nurturing the next generation of champions.
Aspire Academy medallists at Slovenian Junior Squash Open:
Under-13
- 2nd Place: Hassan Alian (Grade 7)
Under-15
- Winner: Talal Al Badr (Grade 9)
- 2nd Place: Omar Farag (Grade 9)
Under-17
- 2nd Place: Ali Ouda (Grade 11)