– Plans to return to Badminton in 2023
By Sean Devers
AT age 29, Guyana and Caribbean Women’s Squash champion, Ashley Khalil, informed Chronicle Sport that 2022 was her best year as a squash player.
The multitalented lass won the National Open Women’s title while her bother, Jason Ray, won the Men’s Title.

In a repeat of the National final, Ashley beat fellow Guyanese Taylor Fernandes in the final of the Senior CASA in Jamaica.

All of the semi-finalists in that tournament’s Womens’ division were Guyanese as Guyana won the Team Title.

Playing in her second Commonwealth Games, in London 2022, after participating in the 2010 Games in India, Ashley partnered with her brother to finish runner’s up in the Mixed Doubles Consolation.

“The only year that comes close would be 2007 when I won Junior Sportswoman of the Year and was National Champion in both squash and badminton in Under 15, 17 and 19 at 14 years old” said Ashley, whose first love was Badminton.

In that year, Ashely also won Silver and Bronze at the Junior Pan Am Games U-19 tournament and won Silver at the National Seniors.

“My brother, Jason-Ray and I created history by being the first pair of siblings to win the Men’s and Women’s Open Titles in 2019 and repeated the feat in 2022.

My 2022 performance at the Caribbean Championships was truly satisfying. I would never be able to surpass that performance, but I could repeat it. Winning all the events played at a CASA is an extremely humbling experience” continued Ashley, who quit Badminton due to issues with the GBA, which she feels wanted to keep her out.

“I feel I am still good enough in Badminton and in 2023, I plan to return [to] the Sport and hopefully represent Guyana once again” added Ashely.

Squash is not an Olympic Sport and Ashley feels that the biggest dream of any athlete is to participate in an Olympics….and Badminton might just give her that chance.

“The Commonwealth Games is always the toughest competition for a squash player as it consists of many of the world’s highest ranked players. It is also considered the “Squash Olympics” as squash is not an Olympic Sport as yet.

The greatest learning experience from this Commonwealth Games was to be more consistent and patient during the rallies” disclosed Ashley, who was born on March 15, 1993 in Georgetown to Raymond and Amanda Khalil and is the second of three siblings.

Ashley’s plans for 2023 is to continue training and competing in squash and hopefully play some badminton again.

“I also want to improve both my mental and physical strengths
My resolution for 2023 is to be a better person both on and off the Court.

I do think about marriage and kids and it’s in the plan for the future, but as of now my main focus is on my family and improving my sporting career” revealed Ashley, who attended Marian Academy, from Prep ‘A’ to fifth form before going on to School of the Nations for another two years, completing lower and upper sixth forms.

“Unlike many public schools, most private Schools place a lot of emphasis on both sports and Academics. I am forever grateful for the well-rounded environment which Marian Academy provided during my school life.

“They not only encouraged academics but also extra-curriculum activities. As a result, I was able to excel in badminton, athletics and volleyball. I also played tennis and basketball” said Ashely

“I would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to my family, friends and all well-wishers. The support received throughout every tournament for the year 2022 has truly been incredible and humbling” concluded Ashley.