The junior side of Kumasi-based 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club emerged as the winners of the Under 11 division in the inaugural National Juniors' Championship organized by the Ghana Squash Association for Under 11, 15, and 19.
In the final U-11 game, 10-year-old Frank Donkor Jnr. from 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club in Kumasi claimed the first position, with Stanley Teye of Tema Squash Rackets Club (Community 5) and Kwabena Bonsu placing second and third respectively. The championship, which was well-attended, took place at the squash court of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ashanti region, on Saturday.
After their victory, coach Eric Agyemang of 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club's junior side expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure all the trophies next year.
"It was a fantastic tournament. All my kids played well. We won the Under 11 category and secured third place in the ladies', Under 15, and Under 19. I was overjoyed to see my kids participating in this major tournament. Squash has truly opened doors for my kids, and in the coming years, they will achieve great things in squash for Ghana. They were initially disheartened when they saw their opponents, but a motivational speech from me restored their confidence. I am certain that next year we will claim all the trophies," said coach Agyemang.
In the Under 19 category, Lesile Adjei and Godwin Asante from Tema Squash Rackets Club, along with K. Amankwa from 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club, secured first, second, and third positions respectively.
For Under 15, Edward Donkor from Tesano Club, Nana Akwasi from Tema Squash Rackets Club, and Ameyaw Koffie from 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club took the first, second, and third spots respectively.
Martha Henaku of Tesano Squash Club clinched victory in the ladies' category, with Maame Yaa Temeng and Dede Tepekter coming in second and third respectively.
The Ghana Squash Association extended their gratitude to all the participating junior teams from Tesano Sports Club, Tema Squash Rackets Club, Achimota Squash Club, and 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club, as well as the sponsors: Twellium, Frosty Bite, Abofra World School, Book Care, 4 Garrison Officers Mess Squash Club, and some senior squash players.
The association also appealed to corporate entities to join efforts in supporting the national squash agenda, in order to nurture young talents into future squash champions.