AUCKLAND, March 16: Pakistan-born Kashif Shuja can now officially represent New Zealand in squash after gaining citizenship last week. he 25-year-old has been a New Zealand resident since February 2002, and changed his allegiance to his adopted country for PSA World Tour events in 2004. owever, his citizenship now enables him to play for New Zealand in World Squash Federation events, notably individual and teams world championships and world doubles championships. He is also eligible to represent New Zealand at Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next year.

Shuja has already experienced Commonwealth Games as a player, representing Pakistan at Kuala Lumpur in 1998. He also played for his former country at World Junior Championships in 1996, having been National Junior champion for two years.

He has quickly moved up to number 58 in the world, making him New Zealand’s highest ranked player, ahead of Callum O’Brien at number 65.—PPI