Squash Canada – NIAGARA ON THE LAKE, ON, December 11, 2016 – It took 16 hours and adjusting to a level of cold they’ve never experienced but Khaaliqa and Muqtadir Nimji arrived in Canada from Kenya a week ago, ready to compete at the 2016 Canadian Junior Open. 

The brother and sister combo travelled together, their parents receiving updates online and watching their games through video and webcast (https://goo.gl/Hz6pKU), to test their skills against competitors their age. 

Khaaliqa finished school last year and has taken the year off to compete in as many international junior events as she can before she’s no longer junior-eligible. She’s already competed in two UK junior events and will finish off her travels with the US Junior Open, following her time at the Club at White Oaks (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON). 

“We wanted to see how we’d fair against other juniors,” said Khaaliqa. “In Kenya, we’re pretty much the only juniors there” “– she’s the highest ranked junior female and I’m the highest ranked junior male” interjected her brother Muqtadir. “We play against adults.” 

Muqtadir, competing in the Boys under-19 division, has one more full year of junior-eligibility but saw the opportunity to come compete against other juniors, who he might not normally ever face, as one he did not want to miss. 

“We’ve never been exposed to this kind of competition before,” said Muqtadir. With over 280 athletes from 21 different countries, the Canadian Junior Open provides not only the Nimjis but all competitors the opportunity to compete against other junior players from all over the world. 

Although they both lost their opening round matches they are happy. “Now we know how we play against players our age; it’s a great experience for us.”…..though “Canada is really cold” they both laughed. 

The Canadian Junior Open continues through until Tuesday December 13, when titles in the Boys U13, U15, U17, U19 and Girls U13, U15, U17 and U19 divisions will be awarded. 

WATCH LIVE! Matches on Courts 6 & 7 will be live-streamed throughout the duration of the event on SquashStream.TV at https://goo.gl/Hz6pKU 

Stay connected with news and events from the day, follow Squash Canada on twitter (@squashcanada) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/squashcanada/) 

ABOUT SQUASH CANADA Founded in 1915, Squash Canada is a non-profit, national sport governing body responsible for the development of athletes, coaches and officials and sets the standards for Canadian squash. Squash Canada is a proud member of the Pan-American and World Squash Federations and participates in the Pan-American Championships, Commonwealth & Pan-Am Games as well as World Championships at the junior and senior level. Each year Squash Canada hosts nine national championships across the country and works with its provincial and territorial partners to promote the growth and development of squash across the country. For more information, please visit www.squash.ca. 

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For more information, contact: 

Britany Gordon Programs Manager, Squash Canada (613) 228-7724 x202 britany.gordon@squash.ca