Russia To Host First World Squash Championships

The first world squash championships ever to be staged in Russia will take place next year following the announcement that the World Squash Federation (WSF) board has awarded the 2022 WSF Men's World Junior Team & Individual Championships to the Russian Squash Federation, the sport's most prestigious junior competition set to take place in St. Petersburg next summer.

The event will feature both a men's and women's individual event, as well as the WSF Men's World Team Junior Championship, with action taking place at the RC Club and Squash Center Liga. The championship dates will be revealed later this year.

"The WSF Men's World Junior Team & Individuals Championships titles are the most coveted prizes in junior squash," said WSF President Zena Wooldridge. "This is not only an exciting and historic occasion of our first world championship in Russia but will also be a fabulous experience for the world's junior players to visit St. Petersburg.

"Russia is one of our rapidly developing squash nations and the Russian Squash Federation have done a tremendous job in building new clubs and attracting new players to the sport. This next chapter of the WSF Men's World Junior Team & Individuals Championships promises to be exciting, and I wish everyone competing the best of luck."

WSF Junior Commission Chair Jackie Robinson added: "We're incredibly excited to bring the WSF Men's World Junior Team & Individuals Championships to Russia for the first time, and we look forward to working with the Russian Squash Federation over the next year to ensure a successful tournament.

"A number of previous World Junior Champions have gone on to become world number ones and world champions in the professional game. The experience these players gain by competing at the WSF World Junior Squash Championships is invaluable, and I'm sure it will be a tournament to remember."

Russian Squash Federation President Dmitry Bronnikov said: "We are delighted and honoured to host the 2022 WSF Men's World Junior Team & Individuals Championships in Russia and would like to thank the WSF Board for this opportunity.

"Compared to most of the other host candidates, squash is just starting to develop in Russia, but we already have broad experience hosting professional events, including a World Squash Championship qualifying event in 2019.

"St. Petersburg is a great location with a number of accredited courts in perfect condition and a rapidly growing squash audience. The city is also the cultural capital of Russia and one of the world's top tourist destinations, which the juniors will definitely enjoy. We believe that such a major squash event in Russia will not only boost development of our sport but will also help to demonstrate the global presence of squash."

Above image shows reigning world junior individual champions, Egyptians Hania El Hammamy & Mostafa Asall