Sri Lanka’s rising squash talents are set to take on Asia’s best as the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships get underway in Panzhihua, China. The five-day event, running from 20th to 24th May, will see a formidable squad of Sri Lankan juniors compete across the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-19, Under-17, Under-15, and Under-13 categories.

The campaign is spearheaded by some of the country’s most promising young players, whose recent achievements highlight the growing depth and international competitiveness of Sri Lankan squash.

Matheesha Wijesekara has climbed to No. 7 in the Asian Under-19 rankings – a remarkable rise for the 18-year-old Royal College student. His surge has been powered by consistent strong performances at Asian Junior Super Series events in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Adding to his laurels, Wijesekara also reached the semi-finals of the Consolation Plate event at the World Junior Squash Championships.

Sithumli Mendis has gained international recognition with back-to-back bronze medals at the prestigious Australian Junior Open and Oceania Junior Open in April 2026, signalling her arrival as a genuine medal contender on the Asian stage.

Ifra Booso, currently Sri Lanka’s No. 1 in the Girls’ Under-17 category, brings valuable experience from the last Asian Junior Championships, where she reached the Top 16. She carried that form into February 2026, storming to the finals of the Sri Lanka Junior Open – an Asian Junior Super Series event.

Nethmi Wickramasinghe is the reigning Sri Lankan U-19 girls’ champion, having dominated the domestic circuit with powerful shot-making and tactical maturity.

Manuth Dassanayake proved his pedigree at the previous edition of the Asian Juniors, reaching the Top 12 in his category.

Meanwhile, Chanumi Thebuwana announced herself as a rising star by reaching the finals of the Sri Lanka Junior Open Asian Junior Super Series Championship in February 2026.

Two World Squash Officiating (WSO) referees from Sri Lanka, Squadron Leader Sasindu Thrimavithana and Chief Petty Officer Priyantha Ishara will join the panel of international officials overseeing matches at the prestigious Asian event. Their selection reflects the confidence that the China Squash Federation and the Asian Squash Federation have placed in Sri Lankan officials.

Additionally, the following World Squash Federation qualified coaches will represent Sri Lanka as officials in China:

• Chaminda Thalagala
• Mahesh Chandana
• Thushara Wasantha Kumara
• Ashan De Silva

Their presence ensures that Sri Lankan players receive expert technical guidance, tactical support, and mental reinforcement throughout the championship.

The Sri Lankan contingent will also be supported by a robust administrative team:

• Manager – Wing Commander Sanjeewa Nanayakkara (Assistant Secretary of Sri Lanka Squash)
• Manager – Wing Commander Lahiru Abeyrathne (Tournament Director of Sri Lanka Squash)
• Lady Chaperone – Anupa Weerarathne (Vice Principal of Nalanda College and President of Sri Lanka Schools Squash Association)

Sri Lanka Squash has ambitious plans beyond China, including hosting multiple Asian Junior Super Series events and securing the rights to the 2027 Asian Junior Squash Championship on home soil. But for now, the nation’s focus is firmly on Panzhihua, where players and officials alike will carry the hopes of a country eager to see its young athletes shine on the International stage.

With a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting newcomers, and backed by a world-class support team, Sri Lanka’s junior squash contingent is ready to make its mark.