Pakistan Squash's future after Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan

[Abdullah719]

KARACHI: Pakistan squash legend Jahangir Khan believes the return of international matches to the country is great step forward towards the development game for the young aspirants. Jahangir spoke to media during the opening ceremony of the Pakistan Rangers Sindh Squash Championship, where he said that the organisation of international events in Islamabad, for now, was great. “Revival of international squash in Pakistan after a decade is great,” he said. “The successful organisation of the men’s and women’s international squash competitions has sent a positive message about Pakistan to the sport’s community.” Jahangir then praised Pakistan Squash Association (PSA) for their role in bringing international matches and players to the country. “Participation of well-known international players in events in Pakistan was a great step forward for the sport in the country. The role of PSA has been great in this regard,” he added.

The 54-year-old Jahangir, considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of squash, believes international matches in the country will help develop interest in the youth of the country. “The revival of squash after nearly a decade will help the development of the game in the country for youngsters who want to take up the sport as a profession. This will help Pakistan squash reclaim the limelight they had lost,” said Jahangir.

‘Trying to get more matches for Pakistan’: The exodus of international sports from the country started after the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, with most players and countries complaining about security and refusing to visit Pakistan. However, successful organisation of different sporting events, including cricket, tennis and squash has set Pakistan on the revival course, and Jahangir hopes he will be able to get as many matches as possible for Pakistan in 2018. “I am trying that PSA gets as many international events as possible in the upcoming calendar year, and I am quite hopeful in this matter,” he said.

With cricket’s international events happening in Lahore, and other sports teams visiting Islamabad, cities like Karachi have been seen complaining, but Jahangir says he is planning events for all cities. “I will try my best to bring international squash and foreign players to the cities of Karachi and Lahore too, and not only to Islamabad,” he concluded. Pakistan Rangers Sindh Squash Championship is hosting nearly 80 male and female players this year and will continue till December 30. The winning pool for this year’s event mounts up to Rs2.1 million. Meanwhile, men’s winner Farhan Mehboob and women’s champion Samar Anjum withdrew from defending their titles this year.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/169349/jahangir-khan-lauds-revival-international-squash-pakistan/

 

[nextover666666]

Welcome back everyone

Last Week Hamza Khan made history and won the world junior squash championship. Last time a Pakistani won was in 1986, 37 years ago it was won by Jansher Khan.

Hamza Khan Defeated Egyptian Mohammad Zakaria in the grand final.

In total 3 Pakistanis have won this events ( 1982 Sohail Qaisar) (1986 Jansher Khan) (2023 Hamza Khan)

On side note Egyptians have dominated this event having 14 winners from their nation.

Pakistan also hosted this event once in 2004.

A big congratz to Hamza Khan, hopefully more success in squash for Pakistan in the future.

 

[MenInG]

General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, met World Junior Squash Champion Mohammad Hamza Khan on Friday at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

COAS congratulated the young champion for his outstanding achievement and bringing honour to the country.

“Talents like you make us all proud and your great achievement also underscores the great potential that this nation has,” COAS remarked.

“Army will continue to support the young talent in the country and promised to provide him full support in academic pursuit and sports.

“Our youth is the future of this country and with focus, dedication and hard work there is nothing that Pakistan cannot accomplish."

Earlier on Tuesday (August 1), Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Hamza, along with his parents at the Prime Minister's House.

On that occasion, the PM also awarded a cash prize of Rs10 million to Hamza Khan for his impressive achievement.

Hamza thanked the Premier for his gesture while also lauding the support he received from the Pakistan Squash Federation.

PM Shehbaz also spoke to Hamza’s parents, who hail from Peshawar, in Pashto.

“Talented athletes like you [Hamza] are an asset for Pakistan,” said PM Shehbaz. “You have made us proud after winning a prestigious squash event for Pakistan after decades.”

“I have always tried to ensure that athletes in Pakistan get facilities in line with international standards," he added.

Hamza arrived back home on Tuesday after winning the World Junior Squash Championship in Melbourne, Australia.

He beat Egypt's Mohamed Zakaria in the final with a scoreline of 10-12, 14-12, 11-3 and 11-6.

Despite losing the first game, Hamza made a grand comeback to win three on the bounce.

Hamza also became the first player to win the event from Pakistan after Jansher Khan, who clinched the title 37 years ago.

GEO

 

[WicketLord]

The World Squash Federation on Friday announced that “no evidence” was found to support Egypt’s claims regarding Pakistan World Junior Squash champion Hamza Khan’s age and gave a clean chit to the athlete.

Pakistan’s Hamza Khan won the World Junior Squash Championship 2023 on June 23 after beating Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria, becoming the country’s first champion since 1986.

Hamza beat Zakaria 3-1 during the tournament that was held in Melbourne, Australia.


However, the Egyptian Squash Federation on July 27 alleged that Khan’s age was different from the one on his passport and requested the WSF to investigate the matter.

In a statement issued on their website today, the WSF said: “After the Egyptian Squash Federation request, the WSF began extensive consultation with experts, including the WSF Medical Commission and the International Olympic Committee.

“This consultation found no evidence that the age of 2023 WSF World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan of Pakistan is different to the one listed on his official passport.”

The WSF, the statement continued, had been advised that “there is no medically recognised procedure that can measure an individual’s age without a significant margin of error”.

It further noted that Khan competed in official international junior events for a number of years and had the same date of birth registered on every occasion.

The WSF added that the Egyptian Squash Federation and the Pakistan Squash Federation had been informed about the investigation’s outcome and the matter was considered closed now.

 

[MenInG]

Strange that the moment Pakistani guy wins, we have issues about his age!

 

[WicketLord]

World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan was presented with a check of one million rupees by Zalmi Foundation.

Javed Afridi, chairman of Zalmi Foundation and Peshawar Zalmi, announced a reward of Rs 1 million for Hamza Khan.

Hamza Khan won the World Junior Squash title for Pakistan after thirty-seven years Zalmi Foundation has also given prizes and encouragement to Pakistan Blind Cricket Team, Arshad Nadeem, Special Athletes in the past.

Javed Afridi, chairman of Zalmi Foundation and Peshawar Zalmi, said that we all are proud of Hamza Khan's success, Zalmi Foundation will continue to encourage national heroes in the future too.