Young Grampian squash stars look to make mark at home Junior Nationals
As a squash boom continues apace in the Grampian region, two local youngsters are hoping to make a big impression at this weekend’s Junior National Championships.
Thanks to sportscotland’s DCI initiative, almost 2000 young people have had their first taste of squash in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire since 2023.
With club membership rising across all categories, from juniors to adults, and across both male and female players – the investment has paid dividends.
That growth has been matched by a group of juniors making big strides on the competitive circuit, and two of them will be in action on home courts this weekend.
One of those players is Om Patil, who will compete in the BU13, having first played in the event as an U11 two years ago.
Om said: “I know I have improved a lot since the last nationals, and I hope I can get results to reflect this.
“More than results, I hope that I am able to play consistently well, make smart decisions and gain confidence for future tournaments.”
The talented youngster first picked up a racket three years ago, and plays several times a week, attending coaching sessions with Scottish Squash Coach of the Year 2025 Joe Ewen and competes in the Grampian leagues.
In that short time, Om has fallen in love with squash.
He said: “I love playing matches with people who challenge me and share my passion for squash.
“The highlight is having lots of encouragement from friends, coaches and club members and most of all, playing with my friends and having a blast!”
Another local prospect looking to make an impact at the championships is Taline Bedair, who will compete in the GU13 and has her sights set on a top-two finish.
A relative veteran of the game, Taline began playing squash at just five years old, and has regular coaching sessions with Joe Ewen as well as fitness and footwork sessions with an Egyptian coach.
Competing closer to home is an added bonus this year, as Taline explained: “I am more used to the courts and will be able to get there easier, and ending the day in my own bed without having to sleep in a hotel gives a chance of better rest overnight.
“Also, more of my teammates will be able to play so I’ll be surrounded with most of my friends, and we will be able to support each other during the tournament.”
Her passion for the sport is clear as she describes what she enjoys most about squash.
She said: “For me, the thing I enjoy the most about squash is the anticipation.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen. A match you expected to be three games can be five, and vice versa.
“The fact that it isn’t over until it’s over makes you keep fighting, knowing you can still turn around the result.
“Plus, it helps that I have an excellent club and environment to learn and enjoy myself, even if it’s just training or solo practice.
“Whenever anyone from my team plays, I watch and support, and they do the same thing for me.”
More than 80 players are set to battle it out for national honours across the weekend, with strong draws across the board.
All eyes will be on Scottish Squash Club of the Year 2025 Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club, as ten national champions are crowned.
With plenty of talent on display, there are sure to be twists and turns along the way.
Draws and live results can be followed throughout the weekend on SportyHQ.
