Hamza Khan becomes first Pakistani to win World Junior Squash Championship since 1986

Pakistan’s Hamza Khan won the World Junior Squash Championship 2023 on Sunday after beating Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria, becoming the country’s first champion since 1986. Hamza beat Zakaria 3-1 during the tournament that was held in Melbourne, Australia.
According to PTV Sports, the last time a Pakistani made the finals was Amir Atlas in 2008, and the last winner from Pakistan was Jansher Khan in 1986. Reacting to his win, Hamza — who had won the U-15 title at the British Junior Open Squash Championship in 2020 — thanked his coach, his managers and his parents for their support. Congratulations poured in for Hamza for making the country proud.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the squash player for bringing the title back to Pakistan after 37 years. The premier hoped that Hamza would make Pakistan “invincible” in the sport in the near future, Radio Pakistan reported. He also congratulated Hamza’s parents, coach and all his team members.
President Arif Alvi said that Pakistan had unprecedented and yet unmatched supremacy in squash in the past. “I had personally watched many finals among our giants. After a long time, a resurgent ray of hope. Well done,” he said. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was looking forward to more feats from Pakistan’s sportsmen after today’s cricket and squash wins. “Great news for Pakistan. Well done Hamza,” said PML-N’s Mohammad Zubair. “There was a time Pakistan ruled the world of squash. Now we have another star in the making!” said ex-chairman of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Dr Umar Saif. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab termed Hamza’s win a “proud moment for all Pakistanis”.
Source: dawn.com/