Abdullah bin Sougat outlines plans to expand participation, develop Emirati talent and bring international professional squash tournaments to the UAE
FUJAIRAH:The fourth edition of the UAE Squash Association’s Golden Series Squash Championship 2026 concluded on Saturday at the Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah, with 30 male and female players competing across nine categories.
Organised by the UAE Squash Association and hosted and sponsored by the Fujairah club, the championship brought together emerging and established players in a competition aimed at strengthening the sport’s grassroots development and raising competitive standards across the country.
The event forms part of the Association’s broader strategy to increase participation, identify promising talent and provide players with regular competitive opportunities to develop their technical skills and gain valuable match experience.
### Building a stronger future for UAE squash
H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Sougat, president of the UAE Squash Association, thanked the Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah for hosting and sponsoring the championship, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the Association and sports clubs in advancing the game.
“We are committed to expanding participation in local championships and creating more opportunities for male and female players to compete and develop their abilities. Regular competitions are essential to improving technical standards, strengthening competitive experience and identifying talented players capable of representing the UAE at regional and international levels,” bin Sougat said.
He added that the Association’s ambitions extend beyond domestic competitions, with plans to strengthen the UAE’s presence on the international squash stage.
“We aspire to host internationally sanctioned professional tournaments, including events under the Professional Squash Association (PSA). This would give our players greater exposure to international competition and help establish the UAE as a stronger destination for professional squash,” he said.
Bin Sougat also emphasised the importance of partnerships with sports clubs and academies in supporting the Association’s development plans and creating pathways for emerging talent.
Fujairah club reaffirms commitment
H.E. Abdul Ghafoor Behroozian welcomed the championship’s successful conclusion and commended the UAE Squash Association for its efforts to develop the sport and broaden participation in local competitions.
He reaffirmed the Tennis and Country Club in Fujairah’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Association and hosting further championships and sporting events.
Behroozian noted that collaboration between sports federations and clubs plays an important role in nurturing emerging athletes, expanding competitive opportunities and supporting the long-term development of squash across the UAE.
Championship results
The final standings across the nine categories were:
Girls’ Under-11
* First: Maryam Abdelhamid
* Second: Mira Mamdouh
* Third: Talia Al Attar
Girls’ Under-13
* First: Maryam Abdelhamid
* Second: Mira Mamdouh
* Third: Sara Al Hammami
Girls’ Under-15
* First: Advika Vishnu
* Second: Maryam Al Wakeel
* Third: Kavya Doshi
Girls’ Under-17
* First: Maryam Al Wakeel
* Second: Kavya Doshi
* Third: Marwa Al Hammami
*Boys’ Under-11*
* First: Ali Fathy
* Second: Yuvan Choudhary
* Third: Suleiman Suleiman
Boys’ Under-13
* First: Selim El Tahawy
* Second: Ali Fathy
* Third: Alden Fernandes
Boys’ Under-15
* First: Zain Fathy
* Second: Selim El Tahawy
* Third: Youssef El Dessouky
Boys’ Under-17
* First: Zain Fathy
* Second: Youssef El Dessouky
* Third: Ashar Farooq
Men’s Open
* First: Ali Afifi
* Second: Omar Afifi
* Third: Lester Yee
The championship concluded with the Association reaffirming its commitment to developing local talent, expanding opportunities for male and female players and strengthening the UAE’s position in the regional and international squash landscape.