World Junior Squash Championships: When was the last time an Indian reached the semifinals?

In the World Junior Squash Championships 2024 semifinals, India’s Shaurya Bawa faced defeat against Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria, thus narrowly missing out on making history. That being said, let us take a look at what happened the last time an Indian reached the World Junior Squash Championships semifinals.

Asian Games gold medallist Kush Kumar was the last Indian to make it to the last four of the tournament in 2014. He defeated England's George Parker in the quarterfinals in straight games (11-6, 11-8, 11-8) to create this little piece of history for India.

From the outset, Kumar had firm control over the proceedings, getting his drives and drops to perfection. It did not take his opponent a long time to show signs of frustration during this match. There were moments when the Indian player, seeded 3/4, had George Parker standing as the ball went past him.

However, Kush Kumar could not maintain his winning momentum upon reaching the semifinals of the 2014 Junior World Squash Championships. He lost 11-5, 11-7, 11-4 to Diego Ellias of Peru to finish with the bronze medal.

Shaurya Bawa claims bronze medal at the World Junior Squash Championships 2024

Although Shaurya Bawa's run at the World Junior Squash Championships 2024 came to an end following a semifinal defeat at the hands of Egyptian squash player Mohamed Zakaria in straight games (11-5, 11-5, 11-9), he did not return empty-handed. Bawa became India's first WSF semifinalist in 10 years. He also claimed a bronze medal at the tournament. This is only the second time that India have won a medal in the event.

15 players competed at the World Junior Squash Championships 2024 from India. However, only Anahat Singh and Shaurya Bawa managed to reach the knockout rounds. Anahat, the 16-year-old women’s national champion, lost to Egypt’s Nadien Elhammamy 2-3 in a five-set thriller.

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