WSD in Mexico with Samantha Teran

Between the commemorative t-shirts, banners, cameras and festive ambiance, the abundance of enthusiasm and passion for squash was quite apparent as Mexican squash players joined in celebration of World Squash Day at several of Mexico City’s important squash clubs. Such was the case at the Squash Inn club where owner Jose Luis Mendez organized the day’s events.




Over 100 participants gathered at the club to either watch or compete in events which included a junior tournament, a battle of the sexes tournament and exhibition matches by some of Mexico’s best junior and master players. To conclude the day’s events, Mexico’s own Samantha Teran (World #15 ranked WISPA player) played an exhibition match against the club’s top player, Gerardo De Paul. The event was covered by television, radio and the press.

The festivities continued at another of Mexico’s important squash clubs, Ciudad de Mexico. Owner Jose Perez Licea organized a “dual meet” which pitted the “legends” vs. the “up and coming”. The rosters included players such as Octavio Montero, Pepe Mandujano, Armando Zarazua, Eduardo Lopez, Juan Camacho, Miled Zarazua, Ricardo Lopez, Samantha Teran, Miguel Montero, Luis Quintal, Jonathan Ramos, and Marco Toriz.

Squash Delta was another club that hosted World Squash Day activities which included a junior tournament, exhibition matches, raffles and food. Owners Miriam and Ulises Marques promote a family environment at their club which was fitting for this special day and event that was covered by Mexico’s leading television station, Televisa.



The day’s events were concluded at the statue of the Angel of Independence in the center of the capital. Dozens gathered to join in the official photo for the “Squash for 2016” Olympics campaign. From there it was on to Element, a nightclub-bar owned by Samatha Teran’s family.

The partying and dancing went on into the wee hours of the morning for those who “boasted” of great physical conditioning – probably a result of all that high altitude training here – all for a good cause.

Report by Joaquin H. Rivera