Egyptian squash prodigy Amina Orfi has made headlines as she officially claims the title of the youngest female World No.1 in squash history at just 19 years old. This remarkable achievement underscores her meteoric rise in the sport and sheds light on her incredible talent and hard work.
Historic Rankings in Women’s Squash
The new rankings, announced on September 21, solidify Orfi’s position at the pinnacle of the Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings. She accomplishes this feat at 19 years and two months, surpassing the previous record held by New Zealand’s legendary Susan Devoy, who reached the top spot at 20 years and two months in 1984. Orfi’s impressive journey to the top showcases not just her skills but also her determination to succeed in a highly competitive environment.
A Thrilling Victory at the QTerminals Qatar Classic
Orfi’s ascent to the No.1 ranking was propelled by her recent triumph at the QTerminals Qatar Classic held in Doha. Battling it out against fellow Egyptian player Hania El Hammamy, who was ranked as World No.1 entering the tournament, Orfi showcased her resilience. After an intense final that stretched over 107 minutes, Orfi managed to bounce back from an initial setback to secure the victory with a score of 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 7-11, 12-10. This nail-biting encounter not only crowned her champion but also marked the end of El Hammamy’s reign at the top.
Achievements and Legacy in Squash
Following her monumental win, Orfi expressed her joy, stating, “It feels amazing.” Achieving the World No.1 title adds yet another milestone to what has been a truly exceptional year for the young athlete. Earlier in 2026, she became the youngest female World Champion by defeating fellow Egyptian Nour El Sherbini in the finals held in Giza. Alongside this, her victory at the British Open bolsters her standing, as she now boasts three major titles in the sport within one year.
Orfi’s success is not a mere stroke of luck but rather the result of years of dedication, visible in her previous accomplishments on the junior circuit. With four U19 World Junior Championship titles to her name, she stands out as one of the most decorated players in this category. This foundation has paved the way for her impressive performance in the senior PSA Tour.
Egypt’s Dominance in the Sport
Orfi’s rise to prominence comes amidst a rich legacy of Egyptian athletes excelling in squash. Egypt has produced several top-ranking players, including Amr Shabana, Ramy Ashour, Ali Farag, Raneem El Welily, and Nour El Sherbini, all of whom have reached the heights of international success. El Welily was the trailblazer among Egyptian women to attain the No.1 ranking, while El Sherbini has accumulated multiple World Championship titles. The impressive track record of Egyptian players in both individual and team competitions highlights the nation’s dominance in squash over recent decades.
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, Orfi embarks on the next chapter of her career from the illustrious position of being the top-ranked female player in the world. As she prepares for future tournaments, both fans and analysts will be keenly observing her journey, anticipating further contributions to the sport she loves.