Sri Lanka Squash hosts record-breaking Junior Nationals

The Ritzbury-sponsored 34th Junior Squash National Championships, hosted by Sri Lanka Squash, has seen the highest number of participants in its history, with a staggering 450 junior squash players competing in 16 events for both boys and girls. The tournament, taking place at the Air Force Squash Complex in Ratmalana from September 9 to 17, marks a pivotal moment in the development of junior squash in Sri Lanka.

The preliminary rounds of the two-weekend tournament began on September 9 and 10, leading up to the grand finals and awards ceremony scheduled for September 18. According to Sri Lanka Squash Vice President Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, this year’s participation surge is unprecedented. Last year, approximately 225-250 players participated, while this year’s event boasts 450 players, including Age Groups from Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories.

In a significant move, this tournament will also serve as a pathway for athletes in the Under-17 and Under-19 Age Groups to earn PSA international ranking points, further elevating the competitiveness of the event.

Ritzbury has sponsored the tournament for the 15th consecutive year, demonstrating a substantial

commitment to the development of junior squash in Sri Lanka. Since the inclusion of Sri Lanka Squash in the High-Performance Training Program by the Ministry of Sports in 2021, the sport has witnessed remarkable growth, with Sri Lankan squash players making their mark in PSA international and Asian Junior levels.

Notably, Sri Lankan squash players have achieved two PSA International Event victories, with five players breaking into the top 300 World Rankings. The highest achievement in the country’s sporting history belongs to Ravindu Laksiri, who reached the 121st spot, and Nevindu Lakman holds an impressive Asian Junior Level ranking of 3.

The 34th Junior Squash National Championships not only symbolize the rapid growth of junior squash in Sri Lanka but also underline the sport’s potential to bring further international recognition to the country.

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