India end long-wait for medal with bronze at World Squash Junior Team Championships 2025

This was India’s first medal in the competition since 2012.

India’s national junior men’s squash team ended a 13-year medal drought by clinching a bronze medal at the ongoing World Squash Junior Team Championships 2025, held at the Black Ball Sporting Club in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday.

The last time India made the podium at this event was back in 2012, when they lost to Egypt in the semi-finals. Thirteen years later, they’ve done it again.

Seeded fifth, team India defeated the third-seeded Republic of Korea in the quarter-final clash, winning 2-1 to reach the semis.

With that win, India were already guaranteed bronze, as both losing semi-finalists are awarded medals in the tournament.

The reaction was overwhelming team India was visibly emotional after securing India’s spot in the semi-finals.

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However, in the semis, India faced a strong No.2 seeds United States of America and could not emerge victorious. Arihant KS was outplayed by Alexander Dartnell (11-3, 11-2, 11-5) and Sandhesh PR also lost in straight games to Jack Elriani (11-6, 11-4, 11-7).

Despite the 0-2 loss, the Indian team’s campaign earned them a bronze medal and ended the long wait. Earlier, they had defeated Canada 2-0 in the pre-quarterfinals.

Sandhesh PR overcame Youssef Sarhan 3-1 (11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-6) and Yusha Nafees thrashed Youssef Taha 3-2 (10-12, 12-10, 11-6, 8-11, 11-8).

Over on the women’s side, the Indian team wrapped up their campaign in sixth place after beating Canada 2-0 in the 5th–8th place playoff at the World Squash Junior Team Championships 2025.

It wasn’t a medal this time, but still a progress that matters especially with squash set to debut at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

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