Iconic Birmingham sporting event set for centenary year
Birmingham is gearing up to host the 100th edition of the British Junior Open, featuring over 700 players from across the globe.
The 2026 Alpha Bravo Construction British Junior Open takes places from January 2-6, and will feature players from more than 50 nations. The tournament is one of the world’s most prestigious junior squash events and has now become synonymous with the city.
Local players are set to star, with Edgbaston Priory Club represented by 9/16 seed Siona Mishra (GU13) and 17/32 seed Kai Miller (BU15), while Mariam Eissa (GU17) plays out of Kenilworth Squash Club and will be hoping for success having been seeded 5/8.
Dylan Roberts, from Kent, has recently moved to the Midlands to train under elite coach Rob Owen and is seeded 5/8 in the BU19 category. He’s joined in that age group by Solihull local Ismail Khalil (17/32).
The Boys Under 17 category has three English players seeded in the top eight, George Griffiths, Gabriel Chak and Luke McBride. Meanwhile, Ali Khalil, brother of Ismail, is seeded 17/32 alongside Matthew Hong Li Keung, from Gloucester, who won the boy’s Rising Star award at this year’s England Squash Awards.
Alongside the action at the 2026 Alpha Bravo Construction British Junior Open, an exhibition match is being held between two former winners on the opening day at the all-glass court at the University of Birmingham.
England’s Jonah Bryant, who has recently moved into professional squash and now trains in Birmingham, will take on Malaysia’s Eain Yow, who is currently ranked 17th in the world. Both have enjoyed impressive starts to their senior careers and come into this clash in top form.
Five venues will host matches, with Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club joining the returning University of Birmingham Sport and Fitness, Edgbaston Priory Club, West Warwickshire Sports Complex and Sutton Coldfield Squash Club.
England Squash CEO, Mark Williams, believes the centenary event is an important tournament for both future careers and celebrating its historic status. He said: “For 100 years, the BJO has provided a stage where future legends are born, and this year’s centenary edition promises to be the most exciting yet.
“We’re proud to welcome the world’s best young squash players to Birmingham for what will be a truly historic event full of top-class competition, unforgettable moments and global camaraderie.
“This is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of a legacy that has shaped the sport for generations.”
England Squash recently announced Alpha Bravo Construction as the official Title Sponsor until 2029, beginning with this year’s centenary competition. It is the ninth year in a row the event has been held in Birmingham.
For more information, including how to watch the event live, visit: britishjunioropen.com.
