PAKISTAN'S -WORLD SQUASH- PARLOURS* : HAMZA HONOURS

 

Teenager Hamza revives Pakistan's Proud World Squash Glory : ''Pakistan Squash is back,'' exclaimed the commentator at the Melbourne Sports Center as the dashing Muhammad Hamza khan pulled off -

One of the greatest victories for his country by defeating Egypt's 15-year-old Mohamed Zakria 3-1 to lift the World Junior Squash Championship title on Sunday.

The young sensation from Peshawar [KPK] came from one set down to win 3-1 and created history as he became the first Pakistani squash player in 17 years to win the World Squash Trophy. The last player to claim the title was Jansher Khan who did it in 1986.

Between 1986 and 2023, Amir Atlas emerged as the only player who came close to repeating Jansher's feat 15 years ago by reaching the final of the event but fell short.

Hamza played like a boy possessed as he matched the talented Egyptian opponent stroke for stroke.  Despite having lost the first set 12-10, Hamza remained undeterred and overcame Zakria in 71 minutes to lift the title in style.

Hamza belongs to Peshawar's Nawan Killi neighbourhood, which is home to the country's all the seven past champions - Roshan Khan, Hashim Khan, Azam Khan, Mohibullah, Qamar Zaman, Jansher Khan and Jehangir Khan.

The World Students Society thanks Natasha Raheel / The Express Tribune.