This article has been adapted from one first published by the Squash Federation of Africa. To read the original article in full, click here.

The 2025 Uganda Open Squash Championships, held in Tororo, Uganda, brought together talented squash players from across the region. Among them were Joseph Munyasya and Chelsea Mbete Munyoki, who competed in the Men’s and Women’s draws, respectively.

During the tournament, SFA had the opportunity to meet with Joseph and Chelsea. In a heartwarming conversation, Chelsea shared a touching story about the unbreakable bond she shares with her father, highlighting the significant role squash has played in strengthening their relationship.

“It all started in 2013 when my dad introduced me to squash. He had picked up the sport just a few years earlier and, like a true enthusiast, he couldn’t keep the excitement to himself. So, naturally, he decided to drag me into it too. Little did I know, I was about to enter a world of sweat, sore muscles, and an unbreakable bond with my dad.

“Squash quickly became more than just a sport for us; it became our entire language. Some families bond over dinner conversations, some over weekend road trips. My dad and I? We bond over drop shots, backhand drives, and whether or not my footwork is as bad as he claims. If we’re talking, it’s about squash. If we’re silent, we’re still thinking about squash.

“Our training sessions became a daily ritual, almost like a religion. We’d wake up before the sun, grab our rackets, and hit the court. It didn’t matter if we were tired, if our legs were still sore from the day before, or if one of us had just lost miserably—squash was non-negotiable. And when the day was over, after hours of sweating and smashing the ball against the wall, we’d collapse, exhausted but satisfied, knowing we’d do it all over again tomorrow.

“Training with my dad has taught me more than just how to perfect my shots. It has taught me about discipline, resilience, and, most importantly, the sheer stubbornness that runs in our family. There were moments of frustration, sure—like when he would correct my technique for the tenth time in an hour, or when I’d finally beat him, and he’d conveniently ‘not be playing seriously.’ But those moments made the victories sweeter, the growth undeniable, and the bond between us even stronger.

“For us, squash isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. It’s in the early morning wake-ups, the post-training high-fives, and the endless debates about strategy. It’s in the lessons we’ve learned from each other, both on and off the court. More than anything, squash has given me a partner in crime, a mentor, and the best doubles teammate (even if he refuses to admit I’m faster than him).

“Some people call it a game, but for my dad and me, squash is the glue that holds our relationship together. And as long as we have our rackets, we’ll keep running, sweating, and laughing—together.”

“Now, if you think my dad is just another squash dad, think again. By day, he’s Engineer Joseph Munyasya, a man who balances his career and squash balls with equal precision. He’s also the captain of Parklands Sports Club, which means he doesn’t just play the game—he leads it. Imagine having a dad who can fix a broken engine, run a squash club, and still find time to tell you your backhand is “a work in progress.”

“As for me? I’m a law student, which means I spend most of my time buried in legal books, writing papers, and trying to convince myself that Latin phrases are normal. But watching my dad balance his demanding career, his leadership at the club, and his dedication to squash has been nothing short of inspiring. If he can juggle all that and still show up on the court, then I have no excuse not to push myself, both academically and athletically.

“And then there’s the gym. Oh, the gym. My dad has been my biggest supporter in my journey to success in squash, but that also means he’s my unofficial fitness coach. He’s the guy who insists that leg day is important (even when my legs are screaming for mercy) and that skipping workouts is a crime against humanity. Thanks to him, I’ve learned to embrace the pain—because, as he says, “A strong player is a fast player, and a fast player wins.”

“So here we are. A father-daughter duo powered by sweat, determination, and maybe a little bit of stubbornness. Whether it’s on the court, in the gym, or in life, my dad has shown me that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about showing up, working hard, and never giving up. And if I can keep up with him, maybe one day, just maybe, he’ll finally admit that I’m faster than him.”

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