NM Squash Pros Hosts Thrilling Christmas Tournamen...

NM Squash Pros Hosts Thrilling Christmas Tournament at Old Georgians Sports Club

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

The NM Squash Pros Christmas Tournament, held from December 13-14, 2024, at the Old Georgians Sports Club, was an exhilarating success, bringing together squash enthusiasts from across Zimbabwe. The event featured a range of competitive categories, including the Men’s Under-23, Men’s Over-35, Ladies’ Open, and an Under-13 mixed boys and girls competition, offering something for players of all ages and skill levels.

In the highly anticipated Ladies Open category, Karen Web triumphed, taking first place, while Celeste secured second and Heather Hudebwe finished third. The Under-13 mixed competition saw Bryce Cornish claim the top spot, followed by Bryce Raynars in second and Mathew Davis in third.

The Men’s Open competition was fiercely contested, with Roy Jambo emerging as the champion, Brette finishing second, and Ahmed clinching third. In the Men’s Under-23 competition, Patrick earned the gold, Joseph the silver, and Brendon took home the bronze.

While the tournament was a platform for showcasing impressive skill and fierce competition, it also served as an important moment for reflection on the state of squash in Zimbabwe. Michael Chingwaro, Vice Chairman of the Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe, who represented Prince Edward School in the Men’s Over-35 category, shared his enthusiasm for the event.

"It was a wonderful tournament, especially against our peers. Some of us haven’t played against each other for a long time, so it was a great opportunity to reconnect. It’s also great for our health and fitness,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle through sports at any age.

Chingwaro also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop squash at the grassroots level across Zimbabwe. “We are working hard to get more kids involved in the sport. We’ve already begun at Nagle House and are making strides with schools like Wise Owl, Marondera High, and Chinhoyi High, among others.

We’re also working on Gweru Sports Club to accommodate school teams. Our focus is on revitalizing squash courts in rural areas, which are currently being neglected,” he explained. This grassroots development is part of a broader initiative to build infrastructure and foster young talent in Zimbabwe.

Laurinda Chiguvare, a member of Old Hararians Club, also spoke about the importance of such tournaments, particularly for women in squash. “We are few women in the sport, and it’s a big opportunity to have these kinds of events. It gives us the chance to compete with each other, as we often have to play against men due to the imbalance in numbers. We’re grateful to our sponsors, Electrosales, for supporting this event,” she said. Chiguvare’s comments reflect ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity and increase female participation in squash in Zimbabwe.

Vincent Soweto, a seasoned squash player in the Over-35 category, shared his optimism about the future of squash in Zimbabwe. “I’ve been involved in squash for many years, and it’s heartening to see the resources being poured into junior development. The number of young players, including girls, playing excellent squash is encouraging. It’s important to continue supporting this development to raise the level of the game,” he said.

The tournament was a clear reflection of the growing enthusiasm for squash in Zimbabwe, thanks to the dedicated efforts of players, coaches, and organizations working to elevate the sport. The involvement of local clubs, schools, and sponsors like Electrosales further demonstrated the strong foundation on which Zimbabwean squash is being built.

As Zimbabwe looks to the future, there is a clear emphasis on developing the sport at the grassroots level, with a strong focus on nurturing young talent, improving facilities, and promoting gender inclusivity. With these ongoing efforts, Zimbabwe’s squash community is poised for a bright future, both locally and internationally.

The NM Squash Pros Christmas Tournament not only celebrated the competitive spirit of squash but also highlighted the camaraderie and shared commitment to growing the sport in Zimbabwe. It was a fitting conclusion to a year of progress and a hopeful sign for the sport's future.