Triumph and Jubilation Hamza Khan Brings Home Junior Squash World Title After 37 Years
Pakistanis celebrated with joy and jubilation as Hamza Khan emerged victorious against Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria to claim the World Junior Squash Championship 2023 title on Sunday.
The entire nation came together to extend heartfelt congratulations to the young athlete for securing Pakistan’s first junior squash championship since 1986.
Peshawar Zalmi owner, Javed Afridi, joined in the chorus of congratulations and also announced a generous gesture of support. The Zalmi Foundation pledged Rs1 million as a “token of appreciation” to honor Hamza’s remarkable achievement.
Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan: squash champion Hamza Khan laments
After securing a historic victory for Pakistan in the WSF World Junior Championship in Melbourne, champion Hamza Khan expressed his joy but also highlighted the lack of support he faced during the early stages of his career and when he experienced setbacks.
On Sunday, Khan claimed the championship title, ending Pakistan’s 37-year drought and following in the footsteps of former champions Sohail Qaisar and Jansher Khan in 1982 and 1986, respectively.
During an interview for Geo News program, Geo Pakistan, the 17-year-old athlete expressed his frustration at the lack of support for squash players in Pakistan. He mentioned that while there are squash players in the country, they need more support to excel in the sport.
Khan acknowledged his father’s coaching and unwavering support during his highs and lows, but he also lamented that others abandoned him during difficult times. He expressed the need for more consistent and substantial support for young squash players in the country.
The athlete raised concerns about the disparity in support for cricket compared to other sports, particularly squash. He called for government support to help squash players, citing financial challenges faced by players and the lack of funding from the federation for professional tournaments.
Khan revealed that during the recent championship, he was the sole representative of Pakistan, and he lacked essential support such as a coach, physiotherapist, and fellow players. He emphasized the importance of having a coach and physiotherapist to address any potential injuries during competitions.
Despite facing financial constraints, Khan shared that he received support from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force, with his manager Major Suleman playing a significant role in his preparations for the tournament.
While he appreciated the support from prominent figures like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Khan emphasized the immediate need for financial support to cover expenses such as racket costs and diet requirements.
With determination and talent, Hamza Khan has made his mark on the world stage of squash, and he hopes that with more consistent and robust support, other young athletes in Pakistan can follow in his footsteps and achieve success in the sport.
