Promising Hamza Sharif of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Noor Zaman of PAF Squash Academy Peshawar clinched the National Junior Under-17 and Under-15 Squash Championship titles here at PAF Squash Academy on Sunday.
Secretary Informational Technology Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dawood Khan graced the occasion as chief guest. Former World Champion Qamar Zaman, Executive Member KP Squash Association Wazir Gul, Secretary Munawar Zaman, Nazim Nawa Khali Sajjad Khan Khalil, PAF Academy Peshawar Head Coach Atlas Khan, Coaches Gulab Sher, Nazir Khan, Kamran Khan, Riaz Khan, players and large number of spectators were also present and witnessed the thrilling final.
In the first match played well against his strong rival Rafi Khan of Sindh and marched into victory in straight set. His perfect drops, nick shorts and fine smashes created a panic like situation for Rafi Khan. The score was 11-4, 11-6 and 11-7.
"I played my game and that is actually my plus point," Hamza Sharif told newsmen. "My coach Waseem sir, also did hard work with me and so as I proved my game," he added. About his views of not being selected in the national team for Asia Cup, he said; "I'm trying hard and hopefully one day I also got a chance to play for national team.
In the other match top seed Noor Zaman, who recently got a title for Pakistan in the Under-15 category in Malaysia, took no time in defeating Waleem Khalil of PSB Mohib Ullah Khan Squash Academy in straight sets, the score was 11-6, 11-7 and 11-8. Noor Zaman, the grandson of Qamar Zaman, dominated the proceedings in the Championship and did not give much time to his rival in the final.
At the end, the chief guest Dawood Khan gave away trophies and cash prizes to the winners, runners-up and other position holders. A total of 128 players took part in the Under-15 and Under-17 category of the National Championship organized by KP Squash Association.