In a first since 1986, Hamza Khan wins World Junior Squash Championship

In a first since 1986, a Pakistani citizen, Muhammad Hamza Khan, has won the World Junior Squash Championship, Express News reported on Sunday. Khan, reportedly associated with the Pakistan Army, defeated Egypt’s Muhammad Zakaria with a score of 3-1 in the final match of the championship held in Melbourne, Australia. 🎙 "Pakistani Squash is back!" Here's the moment 🇵🇰 Hamza Khan ended Pakistan's 37-year wait for a WSF World Junior Squash Champion title 🏆#WSFjuniors @paksquash @squashAUS pic.twitter.com/h7K50hAVjH — World Squash (@WorldSquash) July 23, 2023 “Pakistani squash is back!” posted the official Twitter account of the World Squash Federation (WSF), the global governing body for the sport, sharing a video of Khan’s winning moment. Read Hamza on cusp of history Khan had trained under the supervision of Pakistan Army’s Coach Asif Khan for two months before heading to Australia to partake in the championship. The Pakistan Squash Federation also took to Twitter to celebrate Khan’s win. 🇵🇰🏆Muhammad Hamza Khan Became the New World Junior Champion! 🌟🇵🇰 🎉 It is with immense pride and joy that we announce the incredible achievement of Muhammad Hamza Khan, who has secured the title of World Junior Champion at the WSF World Junior Squash Championship 2023🏅💪 pic.twitter.com/Up6vzmFTVR — Pakistan Squash Federation (@paksquash) July 23, 2023 “Every shot was a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport,” the national squash federation posted on social media. “The squash court witnessed an unforgettable battle as Hamza played with sheer energy, exceptional skills, and a brilliant tactical mind against the formidable Egyptian player Zakaria!” 💥 The squash court witnessed an unforgettable battle as Hamza played with sheer energy, exceptional skills, and a brilliant tactical mind against the formidable Egyptian player Zakaria! 🔥 Every shot was a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport!🇵🇰🏆 — Pakistan Squash Federation (@paksquash) July 23, 2023 “They support me every single time,” said Khan reacting to his win. "They support me, every single time" 🙏 An emotional Hamza Khan reacts to his WSF World Junior Squash Championship win#WSFjuniors @paksquash @squashAUS pic.twitter.com/gZ94sq39k1 — World Squash (@WorldSquash) July 23, 2023 The last time a Pakistani made the finals was Amir Atlas in 2008, while the last time the country secured a win was in 1986 when Jansher Khan brought the trophy home, according to PTV Sports. PTV congratulates #HamzaKhan on winning the World Junior Squash Championship. The last time a Pakistani made the finals was Amir Atlas in 2008, and the last winner of this tournament was the great Jansher Khan, in 1986. A huge achievement to Hamza and 🇵🇰! pic.twitter.com/tqeJ8dYhdc — PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) July 23, 2023 Khan has won many titles representing the Pakistan Army at the national level and currently holds the third position in global rankings as a squash player.