WSF World Junior Squash Championships 20 July – 31 July 2026, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Talia Zakaria, the younger sister of defending World Junior Champion Mohamad Zakaria, received a last minute call up to the 2025 World Juniors in Cairo after Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem pulled out because of injury.
At Black Ball Sporting Club in Cairo, not one, but two Zakarias will be representing the host nation Egypt at the World Juniors this week.
The call up for Talia Zakaria means that she will make her debut performance at World Juniors.
“It’s amazing to be called up,” she said. “Especially because I’m doing it with my brother. I’m hoping that I can follow in his footsteps.
“We don’t train together that much because he’s far too good.”
Mohamad added: “We do try and play but we always end up fighting because we’re so competitive.”
On making her debut, Talia Zakaira said: “It feels like a dream. A few hours ago, I wasn’t playing in this competition. I’m just so excited to be here.”
Compliments from the defending champion
Mohamad said: “As soon as I knew she had been picked, I got incredibly excited. It’s been a dream of mine to be able to play at the same competition as her.
“I’m really proud of her, and she’s well-deserving of her position here.
“Talia actively listens to coaches; she always wants to improve. Her place on the Egyptian team is well-deserved.”
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Watch the action from the show court and select traditional courts live and free on WORLDSQUASH.TV. Watch action from all courts on the Egyptian Squash Federation YouTube channel.
