One of England’s finest squash players, Sarah-Jane Perry, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours to recognise her outstanding contribution to squash.
Perry retired in May 2025 following an illustrious career in which she reached a career-high ranking of World No.5, won the 2014 World Squash Team Championship and won three Commonwealth Games medals and 11 PSA Squash Tour titles throughout her career.
The 35-year-old’s last PSA title win – at the 2020 Black Ball Open – was also her biggest. Perry beat former top five players in Camille Serme and Joelle King to reach the final, where she produced a monumental comeback from two games down to beat current World No.1 Hania El Hammamy.
That followed back-to-back titles at the NetSuite Open in 2017 and 2018 where she beat former World No.1s and World Champions Nicol David and Raneem El Welily, respectively, to capture the trophies.
Away from the PSA Squash Tour, Perry enjoyed a remarkable international career that saw her earn her 100th cap during England’s triumphant European Team Championships win in Poland.
A three-time British National champion, Perry had been a mainstay of England Squash for more than a decade. Perry represented England at five World Team Championships, winning four medals, including Gold in 2014. She has also represented her country at two Commonwealth Games – on the Gold Coast in 2018 and in her hometown of Birmingham in 2022 – bringing home two silver medals and a bronze. Her latest triumph in Poland added an incredible eighth European Team Championship gold to her collection.
Off court, Perry has been equally influential. Over the past six years, she has served on the PSA Board as PSA Women’s President, has been on the Squash United Foundation’s UK Board of Trustees since 2020 and was an Athletes’ Advisory Committee Member for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking about the honour, Perry said: “I am deeply honoured to receive an OBE for services to squash. While my playing career brought many unforgettable moments, this recognition is especially meaningful because it acknowledges the work I have been proud to do beyond competition.
“Squash has shaped my life, and I have always believed in giving back to the sport – supporting players at the professional level, helping create opportunities for the next generation, and using squash as a force for social impact, particularly for those most in need.
“I am grateful to everyone I have worked alongside and to the players who continue to inspire me. This honour strengthens my commitment to helping squash grow, evolve, and thrive for future generations.”
England Squash Head of Performance Operations Chris Robertson said: “Sarah-Jane has been an outstanding ambassador for our sport in every sense. Her dedication, professionalism and relentless drive for excellence have inspired countless players and coaches.
“But just as impressive has been everything she’s given back – championing equality, supporting younger athletes and helping to shape the future of the game. We couldn’t be prouder of what she has achieved, and this honour is richly deserved.”
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