ACT’s New Australian Junior Champion – Aliza Atif

MEDIA RELEASE
Canberra, ACT - 1 October 2026

ACT’s New Australian Junior Champion: Aliza Atif Wins National U11 Girls Title

Squash ACT is proud to announce that Aliza Atif has won the Girls Under 11 division at the 2026 Australian Junior Championships, held yesterday in Devonport, Tasmania. Aliza delivered a dominant performance throughout the tournament, not dropping a single game on her way to securing the national title, an exceptional achievement at this level of junior squash. 

Her victory marks the first ACT junior national champion since 2020, placing her among an elite group of past ACT winners including Amalia Ricketts (2020), Peter Nuttall (2013-4), Stewart Boswell (1993–97) and Laura Keating (1998).
Junior Squash is on the Rise in the ACT Junior squash participation in the ACT has grown significantly throughout 2026. More than 30 junior players now compete weekly in the Friday night junior competition, run across the ACT’s two largest clubs/centres — Dickson Squash Club and South Canberra Squash Club (Woden Squash Centre).

This growth has translated into strong results on court. In June 2026, the ACT Junior Team won the annual Green Shield, defeating regional teams from across NSW including Sydney, Western, Southern, South Coast, North Coast and Hunter regions.

With rising participation, a major representative victory, and now a new national junior champion, junior squash in the ACT is experiencing a genuine resurgence.

Quotes
Lisa Matthews, General Manager of Squash ACT, said: “Aliza’s achievement is outstanding. She showed composure, skill and maturity well beyond her years. Combined with our recent Green Shield win and the growth in our junior numbers, this national title reflects the momentum building in ACT junior squash.”

Head Junior Coach Liam Schnek added: “Aliza has worked incredibly hard this season. Her consistency and determination were on full display in Devonport.”

About Squash ACT
Squash ACT is the governing body for squash in the ACT, delivering competitions, development pathways and programs for junior and senior athletes across the region.

Media Contact
Lisa Matthews
General Manager, Squash ACT
Email: general.manager@squashact.asn.au