Winners of the different categories with the dignitaries and club staff.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Tennis & Country Club Fujairah hosted the Junior Squash Championship, attracting a large number of players from across the UAE.

Reflecting signs of growth in squash in the country, the U-9 and U-11 boys’ and girls' categories witnessed a huge number of participants, including a new crop of players, who took to the court for the first time.

In the U-11 category, Kavyaa Doshi defeated Ahana More in a closely contested final.

Kairavi Sachdev won the U-15 title after overcoming Ahana More. Riya Ananthanpillai displayed her superior racket skills in securing the U-19 girls' title by defeating Kairavi Sachdev.

Hania Reggi, Najib Salem, and Jacques Harmse pose for a picture after the presentation ceremony.

The boys’ category matches kept the spectators on the edge of their seats with some thrilling performances on display.

Abdulrahman from the Ras Al Khaimah Hotel team proved that he is a future star to be reckoned with in the U-19 division. Abdulrahman defeated another Ras Al Khaimah teammate, Vian Damarla, in a tense clash. Later, Abdulrahman met Zain Ahmed Fathi from Abu Dhabi in the final of the U-11.

Zain, however, is exceptional for his age group, and despite Abdulrahman's best efforts, the former maintains his supremacy. In addition, Zain triumphed over Alden Fernandes' valiant attempt to claim the U-13 title.

Rohan Roy, who has been competing in international competitions, defeated Aboubakr Tarek in the U-15 division with a mesmerizing display of racket prowess.

Another thrilling match caught the attention of many was the U-17 final contested between Roy and Malank Damarla. Roy won after he and Malank gave everything they had to subdue each other.

The event was graced by Abdul Ghafour Behrozian, Chairman of Tennis & Country Club Fujairah, and Najib Salem, Secretary General of the UAE Squash Association.

Ghafour hailed Salem for the UAE Squash Association’s support for the squash events in Fujairah.

Salem gave away the prizes to the winners of the different categories of the championship. He also gave away the medals to them, sponsored by the UAE Squash Association.

"The brightest young talent in the UAE and players from the GCC have continuously been drawn to squash competitions organized at the Tennis & Country Club Fujairah.

"Fortunately, we have the best resources, staff, and management to carry off events of this stature," said Behrozian.

Delighted with the success of the event, Hania Reggi, general manager of the Tennis & Country Club Fujairah, said: "What a wonderful start to the New Year and sports activities at the club.

"The Junior Squash Tournament comes as part of our strategies to organize more and more sports and cultural events that are of great interest to the public.

"We strongly believe in making the practice of sport a daily lifestyle, representing its positive impact on public health.

“Our vision is to create a competitive pathway for the sport within the UAE. "We look forward to hosting the more junior tournaments while celebrating Tennis & Country Club Fujairah as the ultimate sports destination in the emirate," added Hania.

Jacques Harmse, tournament director, said: "We think organizing additional junior events is crucial for the continued growth of squash in our nation.

“Additionally, it is a rare and exceptional chance for the top athletes from the UAE to come together, have fun, make new friends, and, of course, compete for trophies."