Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships Kicked Off in Panzhihua, Sichuan
"Li-Ning Cup" 2026 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships kicked off on May 20, 2025 at Panxi Sub-plateau Sports Training Base in Panzhihua, Sichuan.
The event will run from May 20th to 24th, with over 240 young athletes from 16 Asian countries and regions in Asia competing in four categories: U13, U15, U17 and U19, vying for top honors.
As one of the highest-level and the most influential Asian youth squash events, this tournament carries the important mission of promoting the popularization of the sport and cultivating reserve talents. Squash is highly entertaining, competitive and full of fun, and is experiencing rapid growth. It will make its debut as an official Olympic event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The hosting of this tournament coincides with the critical window for Olympic preparation. It serves not only as a stage for Asian youth athletes to showcase their skills, but also as a vital opportunity for China's national squash team to identify promising young talents and gain valuable practical experience.
The tournament is held in Panzhihua, and the unique sub-plateau resources here are the core advantage. The unique climate and altitude conditions of Panzhihua, combined with the mature experience of Panxi Sub-plateau Sports Training Base in physical training and sports recovery, create an excellent competitive environment for athletes from various countries.
Panzhihua City has been deepening its"Sports+" strategy in recent years, has built a sports culture brand centered on "Sunshine, Sports, Leisure and Health", and has successfully held numerous high-level international and domestic events, making its reputation as a leading sub-plateau sports destination increasingly prominent. This tournament marks not only the first time that Asia's top-tier youth squash event has been held in Sichuan, but also another international sports highlight for Panzhihua City.
Asian Squash Federation highly praised the preparations for the tournament at the opening ceremony, stating that the scale and level of this tournament demonstrate the firm determination of Asia, especially China, to promote the development of squash. The tournament not only provides a training ground for various teams to cultivate future Olympic talents, but also builds a bridge of friendship for sports exchanges among Asian youth. The athletes will unleash their passion and surpass their limits on the competition field, enhance mutual trust, and forge shared understanding through competition, thereby driving the development of Asian squash to new heights.
It is learned that the venue facilities, event organization, medical support and other aspects for this tournament have all been strictly adhered to international top-level standards to ensure smooth operation throughout of the event. Domestic young athletes will also seize this opportunity to observe top-tier Asian competitions up close, learn advanced techniques and philosophies, and foster their own growth. The organizing committee of the event stated that they will leverage the high-level international competition as an opportunity to identify and cultivate outstanding young players, so as to lay a solid talent foundation for the Los Angeles Olympics. (Text/Hao Bin; Images/Event Organizer)
Translated by: Zhang Feng from Jinan University
Reviewed by: Mao Min from Beijing Yooyi Culture and Media Com., Ltd.
