Anna Bowen ready to make World Masters debut on home soil

For almost 50 years, squash has been a constant in Anna Bowen’s life, providing competition, friendships and a strong connection to the squash community.

What started as the occasional game with work colleagues in Perth during her teenage years became a lifelong passion when Bowen moved to Northam in 1977 and joined the local squash club.

“I was a stay-at-home mum with a new baby and looking to meet new people, and find things to do,” Bowen said.

“I joined the Northam Squash Club and proceeded to play and be involved in squash ever since.”

That young baby was Bowen’s daughter, Lisa Christou, who will also compete at the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships in Perth, creating a special family connection to the event.

During her two decades in Northam, Bowen became heavily involved in growing the sport at a local level, helping establish Junior Squash and Ladies Day Pennants, while also serving as a Zone Delegate for Junior WA Country Squash, and dedicating countless hours to coaching, organising social events and supporting her local squash community.

After returning to Perth, she continued her involvement with the sport through Blue Gum Squash Club, again contributing as a committee member while continuing to play.

While her competitive drive has always been a major part of her squash journey, Bowen says the friendships and community built through the sport are what keep her coming back.

“In the past I think the obsession of competition and wanting to improve and win at club level and tournaments kept me playing,” she said.

“Nowadays I play mainly to keep fit and enjoy the social aspect of being part of a team, playing the occasional tournament to stay active and catch up with friends, although when I am on that court I still want to win!”

Bowen has collected countless memories throughout her squash journey, from Country Week Championships with Northam to her first Australian Masters Championships in 1999.

“It was wonderful meeting people from all over Australia and the fun that was had with social functions,” she said.

“I have played in every Australian Masters held in Perth and went away for the first time to Melbourne in 2009. Not only was it one of the best trips away, my team also won our division.”

Bowen has enjoyed Masters competitions over the years, competing at the World Squash Masters Championships is one experience she has not yet had.

With the 2026 World Squash Masters Championships being held in Perth from 30 August to 6 September, she now has the opportunity to compete on the world stage, just minutes from home.

“I have not played in a World Masters before. I would have loved to, but work commitments and other things meant I have not been able to,” she said.

“With the World Masters Championships being held here in Perth it has given me the opportunity to play, and I am so excited to be competing against people from other parts of the world.

“I am hopefully going to have some wins, but mainly to enjoy the experience.”

The 2026 World Squash Masters Championships will bring together hundreds of players from around the world in Perth from 30 August to 6 September.

The event is free for spectators, giving squash fans the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best Masters athletes in action and support players of all ages and backgrounds.