Pakistan wins World Junior Squash championship after nearly four decades

Melbourne: Hamza Khan defeated Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria 3-1 in an intense finale to become the first Pakistani champion in the event in nearly four decades.

Lahore: Hamza Khan of Pakistan emerged victorious in the World Junior Squash Championship 2023 held in Melbourne, Australia, ending a 37-year drought for the country since 1986.

 Hamza Khan defeated Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria 3-1 in an intense finale to become the first Pakistani champion in the event in nearly four decades.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Hamza Khan on his remarkable achievement, commending him for bringing the prestigious title back to Pakistan after such a long gap. The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of Hamza's win, drawing parallels to the triumph of Jansher Khan in the 1986 World Squash championship.

Expressing hope for Pakistan's continued dominance in squash, the Prime Minister praised the collective efforts of the national players who have brought laurels to the country in various sports during the last fifteen months.

Hamza Khan's victory marks a momentous occasion for Pakistan, as the last Pakistani player to win the World Junior Squash Championship was Jansher Khan in 1986. Hamza had previously secured the U-15 title at the British Junior Open Squash Championship in 2020, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the sport.

CONGRATULATIONS PAKISTAN.
HAMZA KHAN YOU THE CHAMP BOY.
PROUD OF YOU.

Rs 1M TOKEN OF APPRECIATION FROM Zalmi Foundation @FoundationZalmi @iamhamzakhan21 #HamzaKhan #ZalmiFoundation https://t.co/bklx3kMhfJ

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) July 23, 2023

The thrilling final between Hamza and Zakaria saw two closely contested games that ended in tiebreakers, but Hamza's exceptional performance in the subsequent two games secured his triumph. The young champion expressed his gratitude to his coach, managers, and parents for their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Congratulations poured in from various quarters, with prominent figures like PML-N's Mohammad Zubair and Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi lauding Hamza's achievement.

The victory is a source of pride for Pakistanis, as it signifies the resurgence of their nation's dominance in squash. Hamza's early journey in the sport was fueled by the guidance and coaching provided by his father, Niazullah, who played a significant role in his development as a squash player.

Hamza Khan's ambitious goal is to win major titles, with his sights set on bringing back the British Open and the World Open championships to Pakistan. His dedication and passion for the sport have propelled him to this remarkable achievement, and the nation eagerly anticipates further successes on the international stage.