Egyptian squash prodigy Amina Orfi is poised to become the youngest ever women’s world No. 1 when the Professional Squash Association releases its rankings on Monday. At 19 years and two months old, Orfi will surpass the previous record set in 1984 by New Zealand legend Susan Devoy, who reached the top spot at 20 years and two months.
Historic Qatar Classic Victory
The breakthrough came after Orfi captured the Qatar Classic title in Doha on Friday, defeating fellow Egyptian and incumbent world No. 1 Hania El Hammamy in a dramatic 107‑minute final. The win ended El Hammamy’s 11‑month reign at the summit of the rankings and cemented Orfi’s place as the sport’s leading figure.
“It’s amazing. To be able to become world champion and world number one in the same year, it’s amazing,” Orfi said after the match. “It’s been a dream since I was young. I’m really happy right now.”
Year of Firsts
Orfi’s ascent has been meteoric. Earlier this year she became the youngest women’s world champion in squash, a title she claimed by defeating top‑ranked opponents in a series of high‑stakes tournaments. Her rapid rise adds to an already extraordinary year for Egyptian squash, a sport in which the nation has produced a string of world champions and now looks forward to its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Speaking to Olympics.com, Orfi outlined her ambitions beyond the ranking milestone. She aims to defend her world title and secure a spot on the Egyptian Olympic team, where she is expected to be a leading contender for gold when squash makes its first appearance at the Games.
Egypt’s Squash Supremacy
Orfi’s achievement highlights Egypt’s continued dominance in both the men’s and women’s games. The country’s depth of talent, strong coaching infrastructure, and national pride in the sport have produced a pipeline of champions who regularly top the global rankings. Orfi’s record‑breaking ascent reinforces that legacy and offers a fresh role model for young athletes, especially girls, who see in her a testament to hard work, faith, and family support.
While the sport remains relatively niche in many parts of the world, its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic program promises broader exposure and new opportunities for athletes like Orfi to showcase their skill on the world stage. Fans and community leaders alike are hopeful that her success will inspire greater participation and investment in squash programs across Egypt and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As the rankings are set to be published on Monday, the squash community will watch closely to see Orfi officially claim the top spot. Her historic rise serves as a reminder that dedication, disciplined training, and a supportive environment can propel young talent to the pinnacle of international sport.
For now, Amina Orfi stands as a beacon of achievement for Egypt and for women’s athletics worldwide, embodying the values of perseverance, faith, and family that resonate deeply with readers of the HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
