The Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) has congratulated Hamza Khan for winning the World Junior Squash Championship on Sunday in Melbourne.
He beat Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria in the final with a scoreline of 10-12, 14-12, 11-3 and 11-6.
“We are extremely happy to learn that Muhammad Hamza Khan, Pakistani Squash Player, has won World Championship title in the World Junior Squash Championship in Melbourne, Australia held on 18-23 July 2023. Please convey our appreciation to Muhammad Hamza Khan. This is an outstanding performance on the part of athlete and his coach,” the POA said in a letter.
“In this regard, the efforts of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) are also commendable. Please accept our heartiest congratulations as well as of the entire Olympic family of Pakistan for your dedication and the international achievement.
“May Allah Kareem bless us with the vision and commitment to work together to promote the national image at international arenas. We are sure that PSF shall continue its endeavors to develop the sport of Squash in Pakistan and win more international medals for Pakistan.”
Despite losing the first game, Hamza made a grand comeback to win three on the bounce.
Hamza also becomes the first player to win the event from Pakistan after Jansher Khan, who cliched the title 37 years ago.
Zakaria took the first game 12-10, which lasted for 26 minutes to take the lead.
The second game was another thrilling encounter. The Pakistani player was down 8-10 but he denied Zakaria the much-needed game point twice and levelled the match with a 14-12 win.
The next two games were totally a contradiction to what everyone witnessed in first two games. Hamza won the third game without much resistance in six minutes with score of 11-3 before winning the fourth 11-6.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.