Sheikh Ahmed presents an award of appreciation to Najib Salem in the presence of Hania Reggi and Jacques Harmse.

The Junior Squash Festival hosted by Tennis and Country Club Fujairah (TCCF), considered as a major hub of sporting activities in the Emirate, proved to be a big hit for young players.

The squash event started two years ago at the club saw astonishing growth with the current edition attracting 71 players to compete in different categories.

Squash is a growing obsession among sports enthusiasts in Fujairah and the event saw fans come out in force to cheer the players.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Bin Saif Bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Najib Salem, Secretary General of the UAE Squash Association graced the occasion.

Sheikh Ahmed presented an award of appreciation to Salem.

In the junior boys category, Abdulrahman (RAK) defeated Selim Wahdan in U-9, Zain Fathi (Abu Dhabi) beat Alden Fernandes (RAK) in U-11,

Adiv Gole (Flying Dav Squash Academy) downed Yasseen Bahr (Farah Momen Squash Academy) in U-13 while Mykyta Khlus (Flying Dav Squash Academy) outlasted Adiv Gole (Flying Dav Squash Academy) in U-15.

Aley Afifi (Farah Momen Squash Academy) brushed aside Eeshan Sawant (Flying Dav Squash Academy) in the U-17 final.

Omar Afifi (Farah Momen Squash Academy) defeated Aley Afifi (Farah Momen Squash Academy) to win U-19 title.

In the newly added girls category Joy Mario Rafik emerged winner in U-11 with win over Mariam El Wakeel

Rufaida Fatima (RAK) beat Rodina Islam Abdel Wahab (Farah Momen Squash Academy) in U-15

Tia Farzad Billimoria (Flying Dav Squash Academy) beat Jana Al Ansary (Farah Momen Squash Academy) in U-19.

Sheikh Ahmed and Secretary General of the UAE Squash Association gave away the trophies to the winners.

Participants pose a group picture.

Hania Reggi, acting general manager of TCCF, said: “The TCCF Junior and Senior competitions are popular showcases for squash talent and offer opportunities to earn significant national ranking points thanks to the support of the UAE Squash Association.”

Hania invited the junior squash players from across the UAE to Tennis and Country Club Fujairah’s next tournament scheduled to take place in December.

Jacques Harmse, Tournament Director, said: “With the growing number of participants and the variety of skill levels of players, there will be an increasing need for tournaments at various levels in the near future.

“This will boost the immense growth of squash in not only academies, but also through our schools.”

Salem thanked the TCCF for their efforts in growing squash nationally.

In his address, Salem expressed gratitude to the parents, players, and coaches for their dedication and outlined the UAE Squash Association’s goal of having its athletes compete at the best level possible on the international stage.

“Squash tournaments held at the TCCF have been consistently successful in attracting the best young talent in the UAE, as well as players from GCC.”

““We are lucky to have the top-notch resources, staff, and administration to stage events of this magnitude,” said Abdul Ghafour Behrozian, Chairman of TCCF.