In a historic moment for Pakistan, Hamza Khan emerged victorious in the World Junior Squash Championship held in Melbourne, defeating Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria in a thrilling final. This victory put an end to Pakistan’s nearly four-decade-long trophy drought in the championship.
The final match between Hamza and Zakaria was a gripping encounter, starting with two closely contested games that ended in tiebreakers. Despite initially falling behind, Hamza showed remarkable resilience and skill, securing the next two games to clinch a convincing 3-1 victory.
The second game was particularly intense, lasting 26 minutes, with Zakaria taking the lead at 12-10. However, Hamza displayed nerves of steel, fighting back from an 8-10 deficit and denying the Egyptian two game points, ultimately prevailing with a 14-12 win.
The momentum then shifted significantly in the next two games, as Hamza dominated the court. He effortlessly won the third game in just 6 minutes, scoring 11-3, and continued his impressive form in the fourth game, securing an 11-6 victory to seal the championship title.
This win marks a significant achievement for Pakistan in the realm of junior squash, with the country’s last World Junior Squash title dating back to 1986 when Jansher Khan claimed the trophy. Hamza’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament, including a hard-fought victory in the semifinals against French player Melvil Scianimanico, showcased his talent and determination on the squash court.
With this momentous triumph, Hamza Khan has firmly established himself as a rising star in the world of squash, bringing pride and joy to his nation and igniting hopes for a promising future in the sport.
