In a remarkable display of talent and resilience, Egypt’s Amina Orfi has made history by becoming the youngest women’s world champion in squash at the PSA World Championships held in Giza. Her exhilarating five-set victory over compatriot Nour El-Sherbini not only highlights a new era in the sport but also reflects the growing prominence of women athletes in Egypt and the wider region, showcasing a commitment to excellence that inspires aspiring players everywhere.
Egypt’s Amina Orfi has etched her name in the annals of squash history with an extraordinary performance at the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Championships 2026, securing her place as the youngest women’s world champion. In a thrilling final held on Saturday in Giza, Orfi, just 18 years old, triumphed over world number two Nour El-Sherbini. The match concluded with a nail-biting scoreline of 6-11, 11-6, 11-9, 7-11, 14-12, marking a turning point in both players’ illustrious careers.
Not only did Orfi’s victory make her the youngest female champion at 18 years and 10 months, but it also crowned her the first player to concurrently hold both junior and senior PSA championships. The PSA governs professional squash globally, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the sport. After securing her twelfth PSA title, Orfi expressed her astonishment, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that brought her to this momentous victory. “I’m speechless,” she commented. “I worked so hard to get here and had so many tough losses this season.”
Orfi’s win also marked a poignant moment for El-Sherbini, who was vying for her ninth world title, a journey that began when she herself was just 20 years old. The final showcased both athletes’ exceptional skill and determination, ultimately producing the eighth-longest women’s match in history and the second-longest PSA World Championships final ever.
In the initial game, El-Sherbini displayed her prowess, quickly taking the lead. However, Orfi’s tenacity saw her bounce back in the following games, demonstrating composure and skill that would lead her to the title. Even as El-Sherbini rallied in the fourth game, pushing the match to a fifth, it was Orfi’s resilience that shone through, clinching the win with a powerful shot that sealed her historic victory.
Earlier in the tournament, Orfi had faced a formidable challenge in the semifinals, defeating world number one Hania El-Hammamy. After losing the first game, she managed an impressive comeback, displaying remarkable mental fortitude by winning three consecutive games to secure her spot in the final. “I knew there was going to be pressure on both of them,” Orfi stated, referring to her competitors. “I knew I had the least pressure, and I went for it. I’m just so happy.”
In the men’s category, fellow Egyptian Mostafa Asal retained his title, adding another championship to his impressive resume with a decisive victory over Youssef Ibrahim. Asal triumphed with scores of 11-4, 11-1, 12-10, exhibiting dominance throughout the match despite his opponent’s earlier impressive victories over higher-seeded players. “It feels amazing to win the world championships in front of your family and friends,” Asal remarked, highlighting the unique pressure of defending his title on home soil, where the support of family and the local crowd further intensified the atmosphere of the event.
With these victories, both Orfi and Asal represent a bright future for Egyptian squash and the continued rise of the sport across the region, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. #SportNews