AFTER many years, Pakistan has once again triumphed in world squash — at least at the junior level — thanks to Hamza Khan’s world title victory in Australia. Hamza’s splendid 3-1 win over Egyptian Mohammed Zakaria saw the 17-year-old become the first Pakistan squash player to win the World Junior Championship since the legendary Jansher Khan in 1986. In the intervening period of nearly four decades, only Aamir Atlas Khan came close to winning the tournament when he reached the final of the 2008 edition. “Pakistan squash is back,” said the World Squash Federation. But amid the celebrations, some depressing truths must be faced. Hamza, who won the British Junior Open in 2020, travelled to Australia without his coach or physiotherapist as the Pakistan Squash Federation didn’t have the needed funds. Such was his determination to win, though, that he powered to glory in Melbourne, raising hopes that Pakistan would regain its place atop the pedestal. Felicitations came immediately. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoped that Hamza would make Pakistan “invincible” in squash once again and President Arif Alvi termed his feat a “resurgent ray of hope”. But the reality is that Hamza will not be able to translate his achievement at senior levels without support from all relevant quarters, and a plan is desperately needed to restore Pakistani squash to its former glory.

Pakistan has lost its footing in the world game since the likes of Jahangir Khan and Jansher hung up their racquets. A lot of talent has come through since then but no one has been able to reach the final of the British Open or World Open since Jansher lost the title match of the former in 1998. Hamza may well follow in the footsteps of his illustrious compatriots but, as he has made clear, he needs financial support. So far his journey has been made possible by the never-ending support of his father. The PSF did support him for the World Junior Championship, bearing all his expenses for the trip to Australia. But this should just be the start and Hamza should get the necessary help to participate in the events of the Professional Squash Association circuit. He has demonstrated the ability to push further, and both the government as well as private sponsors could help him end Pakistan’s long wait for a senior title.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2023