ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rising squash stars produced encouraging performance at the Asian Junior Squash Championship in China, clinching two gold medals and one silver to underline the country’s growing strength at junior level.
Talented youngster Nauman Khan emerged as the boys’ under-17 champion after producing a commanding comeback victory over India’s Shiven Agarwal in the final. After losing a closely-fought opening game, Nauman displayed remarkable composure and attacking flair to dominate the remaining three games and secure a memorable 3-1 triumph.
Nauman won the final 10-12, 11-7, 11-2, 11-5 in a 46-minute contest, showcasing excellent court coverage and aggressive shot-making to outclass his Indian opponent.
Pakistan’s second gold medal came through the experienced Ahmad Rayyan, who stamped his authority in the boys’ under-15 final with a one-sided victory over Malaysia’s PNG Vidhurran Ruthiran. Ahmad Rayyan looked in complete control throughout the encounter, wrapping up the title in straight games 11-7, 11-3, 11-4 within just 29 minutes.
In the girls’ under-15 category, Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali fought bravely before settling for silver after losing a thrilling final to China’s Ziyuan Yin. Despite the defeat, Mahnoor impressed with her fighting spirit and pushed the Chinese player hard in all three games before going down 10-12, 9-11, 10-12 in a highly competitive match lasting 23 minutes.
Pakistan however was disappointing in the main category as for the first time in the history no player has made it to the under-19 semi-finals even. Much talked about Abdullah Nawaz and Mustafa Khan were knocked out of the event at quarter-finals stage.
