Ontario, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s men’s and women’s teams advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Junior Squash Team Championships after securing contrasting victories in the knockout stages.
The fifth-seeded Indian men’s team fought back from an early setback to defeat 11th seeds Kuwait 2-1 in the pre-quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the women’s team maintained their unbeaten run in the group stage with a dominant 3-0 victory over South Africa.
India’s men endured a difficult start after Yusha Nafees lost the opening rubber in straight games to Abdullah Ali. However, Aryaveer Dewan levelled the tie with a commanding 11-5, 11-6, 11-5 win over Khaled Walead Al Fouzain.
Gurveer Singh then completed the comeback for India, producing a clinical performance to beat Abdul Rahman Al Sanea 11-3, 11-3, 11-4 and seal the team’s place in the last eight.
India head coach Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu praised his players for maintaining composure after Kuwait made a strong start.
“Abdullah came out fighting in the opening match and didn’t let us settle in the first match, but that’s the atmosphere that comes with team squash,” Sandhu said.
He added that India’s key players responded well under pressure and helped the team turn the contest around.
India will face England in the quarterfinals, with Sandhu acknowledging the strength of their upcoming opponents. He said the team would use experience from recent encounters during the individual championships to prepare for the challenge.
The Indian women’s team, meanwhile, delivered a one-sided performance against South Africa. Rudra Singh opened the proceedings with an 11-4, 11-5, 11-3 win over Makayla Naidoo before Anahat Singh defeated Brianna Robinson 11-1, 11-1, 11-3.
Saanvi Kalanki completed the clean sweep by beating Vivienne Van Der Schyff 11-4, 11-3, 11-3.
The Indian women will now take on the United States in the quarterfinals as both teams continue their campaign for medals at the prestigious junior tournament.
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