In a historic final at the 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Championships held in Melbourne, Australia, 17-year-old Hamza Khan showcased remarkable resilience and skill to claim victory and become Pakistan’s first World Junior Squash champion since Jansher Khan’s triumph in 1986.
Facing formidable opponent, 15-year-old Mohamed Zakaria from Egypt, Hamza initially struggled as Zakaria took the lead, winning the opening game 12-10 with precision and finesse.
However, Hamza staged an incredible comeback in the second game, thrilling the audience with a series of spectacular winners and managing to level the match with a 14-12 victory.
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Fueled by determination and his devastating attacking prowess, Hamza continued his dominance in the third game, securing an 11-3 win and taking the lead.
He sustained his momentum in the fourth game, attacking with increasing confidence, and finally ended Pakistan’s 37-year wait for a World Junior Squash Championship title with an 11-6 victory.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Hamza expressed his gratitude to his coaches, managers, parents, and everyone who supported him on this incredible journey to victory.
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The World Junior Individual Championship, which took place from August 18 to 23, saw Pakistan’s Hamza Khan and Air Commodore (R) Aftab Sadiq Qureshi (Contingent Manager) nominated by the Pakistan Squash Federation for participation.
Throughout the championship, Hamza’s outstanding performance captivated the audience, culminating in a historic win that brought the championship title back to Pakistan after nearly four decades.
Notably, the last time Pakistan celebrated a World Junior Squash Championship victory was in 1986 when Jansher Khan claimed the title in Australia.
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The triumph of young Hamza Khan has been met with warm congratulations from Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar, President PSF, Air Vice Marshal Kazim Hammad, Senior Vice President, and the entire squash community.
Result: WSF World Junior Squash Championships Men’s Final: Hamza Khan (PAK) beat Mohamed Zakaria (EGY) 3-1: 10-12, 14-12, 11-3, 11-6 (70m).
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