17-year-old Pakistani squash star brings home world title after 37 years

Islamabad: Pakistan is celebrating a momentous win as 17-year-old Hamza Khan emerged triumphant in the World Junior Squash Championship, bringing the title home after 37 years.

Khan won the title after defeating Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria 3-1 in a thrilling final match in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday.

The teenager displayed a brilliant fightback and with his unstoppable attacking shots and rising confidence, he finally ended Pakistan’s 37-year wait for a WSF World Junior Squash Championship with a 11-6 win before collapsing to the floor, overwhelmed with emotions.

“First of all, I would like to thank Allah. My thanks to my coaches, my managers, thanks to everybody. And thanks to my parents, who support me every single time” Khan said after winning the title. Hamza Khan is a two-time Asian Junior champion and a British Junior winner.

The last time a Pakistani won the championship was in 1986 when Jansher Khan lifted the trophy. The historic win brings back memories of Pakistan’s squash legacy, once dominated by players like Jansher and Jahangir Khan. The golden era of the 1980s and 1990s saw Pakistan winning an impressive 14 World Squash Open titles and 30 British Open titles. Despite its glorious past, the nation’s presence in the sport dwindled in the last two decades, partly attributed to government apathy and limited support.

Congratulations pour in

Pakistani athletes, politicians, celebrities, and others congratulated the young athlete crowned the world’s new junior squash champion.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a tweet that there was a time when Pakistani squash icons Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan “upheld their dominance of the sport and bagged one international title after another.” He expressed hope that “Hamza and other young players like him have great role models to follow and with steadfastness and self-application, they would fill in their shoes one day, InshaAllah. The future beacons for Pakistan,” Sharif wrote.

President Arif Alvi said that “Pakistan had unprecedented and yet unmatched supremacy in squash” in the past. He said in a tweet that he had watched many finals among our giants. And that Hamza’s win was “a resurgent ray of hope” after a long time, he said.

Hamza’s coach, Tahir Iqbal, expressed immense pride. “Hamza has extraordinary talent. He will change the game as he has natural skill and physical power” he said.

Squash legend Jahangir Khan praised Hamza’s win but lamented the state of the sport in Pakistan, saying “It should not have taken us so many years for this victory.” He urged for a more professional approach to regain lost glory.

Family of squash legends and sports journey

Hamza Khan’s journey to victory is one of determination and passion. Hailing from the Nawa Killi village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, his roots connect him to a lineage of squash legends, with his family producing the likes of former world number 14 Shahid Zaman Khan and British Open winner Qamar Zaman. The region has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s squash dominance on the global stage.

Despite the illustrious family background, Hamza’s path to success was far from easy. His father, Niazullah Khan, a former national-level squash player, has been his pillar of support. Niazullah financed his son’s squash journey from the beginning, investing in equipment and funding travel to tournaments. Reflecting on his own unfulfilled dream of representing Pakistan due to financial constraints, Niazullah emphasised the need for sports authorities to prioritise the long-term development of athletes by investing in their training and facilities.

Noorena Shams, one of Pakistan’s top squash players, echoed the sentiments. She said that weak management and administration are one of the biggest challenges faced by emerging talents in the country. In a tweet, Shams said that the victory feels personal to her as she saw Hamza Khan “winning titles, facing bans, struggling with injuries, fighting for his right to play and represent” Pakistan globally. Hamza’s dedication and passion, supported by his coaches and father’s unwavering support played a pivotal role in his success, she said.