2024 WSF INDIVIDUAL SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE ROAD TO GLORY
Some moments are meant to be captured—not just in images, but in emotion, intensity, and history in the making.
I never expected my first official sports photography job to be at the 2024 WSF Junior Squash Championships—but life has a way of throwing us into the unknown. It was a job that almost didn’t happen, yet turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey.
From the first match to the final championship point, I wasn’t just watching history unfold—I was documenting it, frame by frame.
A Journey Through the Lens: How It All Began
Photography has always been about more than just the shot. It's about storytelling. The emotions behind the moments, the movements that define a game, and the athletes who give everything to their sport.
When I first got the call to photograph the Junior Squash Championships, I had no idea what to expect. The speed, the precision, the raw energy of the game—it was unlike anything I had ever captured. The courts were glass, reflecting every detail. The lighting was unpredictable. The players moved at lightning speed.
It was a challenge. And I loved every second of it.
The Individual Matches: Moments of Greatness
While my journey as a photographer was unfolding, so were the incredible matches that defined this tournament.
🏆 Men’s Individual Championship: Mohamad Zakaria Makes History
📸 Champion: Mohamad Zakaria (Egypt)
📸 Runner-Up: Joo Young Na (South Korea)
📸 Final Score: 3-0 (11-6, 11-4, 11-6)
Some victories feel inevitable. From the moment Mohamad Zakaria stepped onto the court, there was a quiet confidence in his presence. His control of the game was effortless, calculated, and relentless.
Through my lens, I captured the precision in his footwork, the intensity in his eyes, and the sheer dominance in his shots. Against Joo Young Na, Zakaria displayed his skill, taking home the title and becoming the youngest-ever male WSF World Junior Squash Champion.
The final moment—his racket raised in victory, the weight of history sinking in—was one of those shots I knew would last forever.
👑 Women’s Individual Championship: Amina Orfi’s Historic Three-Peat
📸 Champion: Amina Orfi (Egypt)
📸 Runner-Up: Fayrouz Aboelkheir (Egypt)
📸 Final Score: 3-0 (11-7, 15-13, 11-5)
Some champions don’t just win titles—they build legacies.
Standing behind the camera, I knew I was witnessing history as Amina Orfi fought for her third consecutive world junior title—a feat never before achieved in the sport. The match against Fayrouz Aboelkheir wasn’t just a battle for a trophy; it was a test of endurance, resilience, and greatness.
📸 The defining moment? The second game at 15-13, where Orfi fought off a fierce challenge to take control of the match. The emotions, the sweat, the sheer willpower—it was all captured in a single frame.
SEMI-FINALS
The semi-finals of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships showcased unmatched determination and strategy as the top players battled for a spot in the finals. Each match reflected resilience and the unyielding spirit of champions.
Women's Semi-Finals
Match Information: Fayrouz displayed a masterful performance, defeating Caroline in straight sets.
Match Information: Amina demonstrated her dominance, winning convincingly.
Men's Semi-Finals
Match Information: In an intense 5-set match, Joo Young Na emerged victorious.
Match Information: Mohamed secured a dominant victory in straight sets.
QUARTER-FINALS
The quarter-finals of the WSF World Junior Squash Championships showcased the pinnacle of talent, determination, and strategy. Each match was a testament to the players' unwavering dedication, pushing their limits in a thrilling display of athleticism and mental resilience. These clashes were more than just games—they were stories of perseverance, triumph, and the unyielding spirit of champions.
Women’s Matches
Match Information: Nadien demonstrated her experience and tactics to overcome Anahat in a thrilling match that kept the audience captivated.
Match Information: Caroline’s exceptional precision and graceful movements on the court gave her a decisive victory over Janna.
Match Information: Amina commanded the game with a masterclass in consistency and determination to secure her place in the semifinals.
Match Information: Fayrouz’s intense focus and strategic plays outmaneuvered Riya in an exciting match.
Men’s Matches
Match Information: Harith’s calm and composed approach under pressure gave him the edge in this highly competitive match.
Match Information: Shaurya’s relentless determination and incredible stamina helped him outlast Low Wa-Sern in this closely fought battle.
Match Information: Joo displayed agility and composure to overcome Mohammad Hamza in a match that thrilled spectators.
Match Information: Mohamed’s mastery and power dominated the match, securing a commanding victory over Abdullah.
Beyond the Court: The Photography Experience
Capturing these moments wasn’t just about photographing a tournament. It was about understanding:
🎯 The Speed: Squash moves fast—blink, and you miss the shot. Anticipating the movement became just as important as the timing of the shutter click.
🎭 The Emotion: More than action shots, I sought to capture the quiet intensity before the serve, the frustration after a lost point, the unguarded joy of victory.
🌎 The Story: Each player came with their own journey. Their fight, their ambition, their moment. My goal was to make sure those moments weren’t lost in time.
📸 The Challenges:
Glass courts & reflections – Finding the right angles to avoid reflections was a battle in itself.
Lighting conditions – Some courts had challenging low light, requiring me to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture on the fly.
Constant movement – Unlike portraits, there’s no second chance in action photography. Every frame had to count.
What This Experience Taught Me
As much as this tournament was about the players, it was also about my growth as a photographer.
📌 Lesson #1: What is meant for you will find you. Even when I thought I had lost the opportunity, it came back.Trust the process.
📌 Lesson #2: Be prepared for anything. Whether it’s rain canceling a job or lighting challenges on the court, adaptability is key.
📌 Lesson #3: Photography is storytelling. It’s not just about what’s in the frame—it’s about what you feel when you see the image.
A Tribute to the Players & The Sport
Looking back at my journey through the 2024 WSF Junior Squash Championships, I realize this was more than just an event—it was a moment in history, for the players and for myself.
Each athlete, each match, and each captured shot became a part of a larger story—one of passion, perseverance, and excellence.
And that is why I do what I do every moment is a reminder of the importance of memories of leaving behind something more than just a photo but a story.
Support our Journey to help tell stories
Photography is more than just capturing moments—it’s about telling stories that deserve to be seen. If you’ve enjoyed these images and want to support my journey in creative storytelling, consider making a small contribution. Every bit helps me continue capturing, creating, and sharing these stories with the world.
📸 Support the Journey
