Amarya Bajaj’s Triumph: India’s Young Squash Star Takes Home Dutch Junior Open U‑13 Crown

When the final match of the Dutch Junior Open U‑13 rolled around in Amersfoort, the atmosphere was electric – a mix of nervous anticipation and quiet confidence. At just twelve years old, Amarya Bajaj stood on the opposite side of the court, racquet in hand, eyes fixed on the prize. It wasn’t just another tournament for her; it felt like a stepping‑stone toward a dream she’s been chasing since she first picked up a squash racquet back in Delhi.

The opponent, the Netherlands’ own Sophie van den Berg, was no pushover. She had breezed through the earlier rounds with crisp, aggressive play, and the crowd gave her a warm, hometown cheer. Yet Amarya, coached by former national champion Rohan Kumar, stayed composed, her footwork light but deliberate. The first game saw her digging deep, returning seemingly impossible shots, eventually taking it 11‑8.

The second game was a roller‑coaster. Sophie rallied, snapping a few points with a backhand that left everyone gasping. The rally count surged, and for a moment it looked like the match could swing either way. But Amarya’s resilience shone through – she squeezed out a 12‑10 win, her grin barely noticeable but her shoulders relaxed, signalling a calm that belied her age.

With a 2‑0 lead, Amarya didn’t let up. The third game was a showcase of her growing power game – clean drives, crisp drops, and a surprisingly aggressive volley that forced Sophie onto the back foot. The scoreboard ticked 11‑6, sealing the match and the title. When the final point was sealed, the Dutch crowd erupted, clapping for the talent they’d just witnessed, regardless of nationality.

Back in India, the victory sparked celebrations across squash circles. The win adds another chapter to India’s rising junior squash narrative – a story that began with the likes of Saurav Ghosal and is now being written by youngsters like Amarya. Her parents, who travelled from Delhi to support her, said they’re proud but also reminded her that this is just the beginning. “She’s still learning, still growing,” her coach added, “but today she proved she can compete – and win – on the world stage."