From courts of Karachi to Melbourne heights: The rise of Nimra Rehman and Ahmed Safwan
From courts of Karachi to Melbourne heights: The rise of Nimra Rehman and Ahmed Safwan
By Nawaz Gohar ; Emerging sensations Nimra Rehman and Ahmed Safwan have delivered a masterclass in skill and resilience at the 2026 Oceania and Australian Junior Open Squash Championships.
Competing in the prestigious International Platinum category, the duo has signaled the resurgence of Pakistan on the global squash map. Nimra Rehman has emerged as the standout performer of the tournament, captivating the Melbourne crowd with an extraordinary run to the finals.
Her path to the championship match was marked by clinical precision. In a high-stakes quarter-final, she stunned the tournament’s second seed—Australia’s top-ranked junior—with a dominant straight-games victory.
Nimra carried that momentum into the semi-finals, dismantling her opponent 3-0 to secure her place in the final. Her ability to maintain peak physical and mental form under the bright lights of the Platinum circuit has established her as a force to be reckoned with.
On the men’s side, Ahmed Safwan mirrored this success by battling his way into the semi-finals. Safwan’s journey reached its zenith in a heart-pounding quarter-final clash against the tournament’s third seed.
In a grueling five-set thriller that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Safwan’s grit saw him through to a 3-2 victory. The match, hailed as one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters, showcased Safwan’s tactical maturity and unwavering temperament.
The success of these young athletes is deeply rooted in a rich family tradition. Both Nimra and Ahmed are coached by their father, Rehman Gul, a renowned international squash coach whose rigorous training and strategic guidance have been pivotal in their development.
The family’s sporting pedigree extends to the professional ranks as well. Their elder brother, Mohammad Shamylin, who held the World No. 1 ranking in the U-19 category in August 2025, is now representing Pakistan on the PSA Professional Circuit, providing a blueprint for his younger siblings to follow.
The 2026 Oceania and Australian Junior Open Championships mark the international debut for these young prospects in the Platinum category. Their success comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to reclaim its historical dominance in the sport.
“Nimra and Ahmed’s performances are a source of immense pride for the entire nation,” noted observers in the squash community. “They have proven that with the right mentorship and dedication, Pakistan can once again compete at the highest echelons of world squash.”
As Nimra prepares for her final showdown, the Pakistani squash community remains hopeful that this is only the beginning of a storied career for these two bright stars.
