The 2025 Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championships produced the most exciting matches and lit up the courts of the South Sound Squash Club in the Cayman Islands.
The tournament produced sensational debuts to triumphant comebacks, and the week-long tournament highlighted the region’s depth of talent and growing dominance in the sport. More than just medals were at stake; for many, this was a chance to stake their claim on the road to the Olympic stage.
Furthermore, the matches heightened significance for those players who could be eligible for a potential place on the Olympic team, and the Caribbean’s top juniors rose to the challenge.
Ramdeen Hits the Ground Running
On day one, Trinidadian prodigy Aaniyah Ramdeen made a strong start in the Girls’ U13 category.
Sunday’s opening matches saw Trinidad and Tobago’s Aaniyah Ramdeen waste no time announcing her intentions. Competing in the Girls’ Under-13 division, Ramdeen secured two clinical victories to cement her place as one of the early front-runners. Her composure and shot selection were standout features, earning her praise from coaches and fans alike. With continued progression, Ramdeen may be one of the faces to watch as the region eyes Olympic representation.
Padmore Powers to U11 Title
One of the tournament’s most compelling stories came in the Boys’ Under-11 final, where Barbados’ Savante Padmore completed a remarkable comeback. Having had to settle for the consolation title in 2024, Padmore returned more determined than ever. He tore through the early rounds, dispatching Barbadian Rafael Brathwaite and Trinidadian Evan Ghuran in straight sets. In the final, he battled Guyana’s Zion Hickerson in a tense four-game thriller — 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-5 — to claim the crown. His victory marked a turning point in his young career and solidified his status as one of Barbados’ brightest young talents.
Jamaica wins gold in the doubles category
Jamaican Girls Captain, Sanjana Nallapati, along with vice-captain Mehar Trehan, delivered Jamaica’s first gold medal at the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships on the Wednesday of the tournament.
As the top-seeded Under-19 doubles pair successfully added to their gold medal to their individual silver and bronze medals, with a thrilling win over Barbados, demonstrating outstanding skill, fitness, and team coordination on the squash court.
Individual Finals See Guyana Dominate the Podium
Guyana’s dominance extended beyond team events, with a stunning showing in the individual finals. Kaylee Lowe delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament, dismantling Cayman’s Kaylee Pierre 11-3, 11-1, 11-2 in the Girls’ U15 final. Her tactical intelligence and clean ball striking were too much for her opponent. Nine-year-old Alexis Arjoon rebounded from a nervy start to defeat Barbados’ Denielle Benn in the Girls’ U11 final. At the same time, her older sister, Avery Arjoon, commanded the Girls’ U17 final with an 11-4, 11-2, 11-1 win over teammate Emily Fung-A-Fat.
On the Boys’ side, U19 star Louis DaSilva produced the tournament match. Facing Trinidad’s top-seeded Seth Thong, DaSilva held his nerve in a five-game epic: 11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 11-13, 11-9. It was a contest filled with thrilling rallies and breathtaking retrievals, showcasing the highest calibre of junior squash in the region. Guyana’s silver medals came from strong performances by Zion Hickerson, Ethan Bulkan, Justin Ten Pow, and Tehani Munroe, capping a glittering medal campaign.
Trinidad and Tobago Secure Double Glory
On the final day of the competition, Trinidad and Tobago claimed a coveted gold in the Boys’ Doubles thanks to an electrifying performance from Seth Thong and Anthony Allum. The unseeded pair upset the odds by defeating the third-seeded US Virgin Islands team of Daniel and Oliver Henderson in straight games — 11-6, 11-10. Their path to gold included a come-from-behind win over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the quarter-finals and a strong showing against Guyana’s second-ranked duo in the semis. For Thong, who had earlier claimed silver in the Boys’ U19 final, the victory offered sweet redemption.
Guyana’s Golden Generation Returns to Glory
Guyana, long a powerhouse in Caribbean squash, reclaimed the overall team championship for the first time since 2022, following a commanding all-around performance. In the Boys’ Team division, they edged past Trinidad and Tobago in a decisive match to clinch the title, while in the Girls’ Team segment, they defeated Barbados in a closely watched finale. Their route to the championship included a dominant 4-2 win over Jamaica and consecutive 5-0 sweeps of Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. After a three-year wait, Guyana’s return to the top of regional squash was emphatic.
Caribbean Squash’s Olympic Future
There is no doubt that these young athletes from the Caribbean have set their sights on global competition.
With squash set to debut at the 2028 Olympic Games, the CASA Junior Championships are no longer just a regional proving ground — they are a launchpad for international aspirations. The high standard of play, fierce competition, and technical growth displayed in Cayman make it clear that Caribbean squash is ready to take the next step.
From the Arjoon sisters’ dominance to Padmore’s rise and DaSilva’s grit, these athletes are more than junior champions — they are Olympic hopefuls in the making. The region is steadily building a pipeline of world-class players, and with continued investment, coaching, and exposure, Caribbean nations could well find themselves among the medallists on squash’s biggest stage.