WJC Profile | Haider Naqvi

With parents who played squash, Haider Naqvi took up the sport around eight years ago and simply hasn’t looked back.While admitting to being a boxing fan - and citing Joe Frazier as his favourite athlete - Haider has only ever played squash and his commitment to sport has seen his game develop rapidly in recent years.

He has improved to the point where he will represent Australia at the World Junior Championships in Houston this month.

Starting off playing at Melbourne’s Gladstone Park Squash Club, Haider is now in Queensland where he plays and trains at Daisy Hill, his favourite venue in the country.

Last year Haider backed up a Victorian State title by winning the U17 National Championships, coming back from a game down in the final to claim the trophy.

While his progression has been impressive since first picking up a racquet, not even Haider would have believed his rapid rise which has culminated in national team selection.

“It means a lot to me,” he said. “If anyone told me that I would represent my country when I was 12, I wouldn’t have believed it.

“It also means a lot because of the amount of effort and sacrifices that my parents have made over the years. 

“The biggest accomplishment for me has been winning the U17 Australian Junior Championship as well as being selected for the Australian team.

First coached by his stepdad, Haider receives tutelage from Tim Batty, Raj Nanda and Brad Hindle, with all having an impact on his game.

Looking up to Peru’s Diego Elias (“he is fun to watch”), Haider hopes to bring some of the Peruvian’s energy and passion to the court as he looks to see more people involved in the sport he loves.

“My goals are to be the best I can in junior squash, and represent the best side of this sport,” he said. “It is also important to me that I encourage as many young children to play squash and have fun.”