Aifa nominated for PSA Young Player of the Year award.

National junior squash player Aifa Azman is reaping the reward of last year’s hard work.

The 18-year-old has been nominated for the Professional Squash Association (PSA) young player of the year award as the only Asian out of the five selected.

She is recognised as one of the nominees for her outstanding performances last year when she won two PSA tournaments – the North Coast Open in New South Wales and Melbourne Open.

She also did well to reach the semi-finals in the World Junior Championships in Bukit Jalil last August and helped Malaysia finish runners-up to Egypt in the team final.

Aifa, however, will face a strong challenge from the other four – Tinne Gilis of Belgium and three Egyptians – Nouran Gohar, Rowan Elaraby and Hania El Hammamy.

While honoured to make the list, Aifa said it is unlikely she will win the award, slated on June 15, as the Egyptians had better achievements and are ranked much higher than her in the world rankings.

“I believe world No. 2 Nouran is the favourite as she has won the US Open and Carol Weymuller titles last year. She also reached the semi-finals of the Tournament of the Champions in New York,” said Aifa, whose best career ranking was 58 in April.

Hania and Rowan are ranked seventh and 16th respectively while Gilis is lying at the 19th spot.

It is Aifa’s second nomination for the same award for players below the age of 23.

“It does feel good that I am the only Asian player nominated for this award though. It will definitely motivate me to train harder and excel in other tournaments.”

Previously, Aifa has won the backto-back best Asian junior player in 2018 and last year.

Aifa is also part of the team that won Asia’s best junior team award together with Chan Yiwen, Ooi Kay Yan and Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi after finishing second to Egypt at the World Junior Championships last August.