Lahore: Pakistan’s pride, Huzaifa Shahid, emerged victorious at the Jessica Company Hong Kong Junior Squash Open 2024, held at the Hong Kong Squash Centre on 3rd July. Huzaifa was sponsored by the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation to participate in this prestigious competition.
Showing exceptional skill, Huzaifa defeated the top-ranked Asian player, Wang Ho-kiu of Hong Kong, in the finals. He secured the U-13 title with impressive scores of 11-6, 11-8, and 11-4, indicating his potential as a future squash star in the sport.
In the semi-finals, Huzaifa beat Ruthiran Vidhurran, the second-best player from Malaysia, with scores of 11-7, 11-6, and 11-5. Earlier, in the quarter-finals, he prevailed over China’s Liu Yuanxi, with scores of 11-3, 11-5, and 11-5.
Huzaifa recently achieved a silver medal in the Asian Junior Championship held in Islamabad. He has previously competed in various international squash tournaments with notable success. Internationally, he won the Australian Junior Open Squash Championship in Melbourne in 2024 and the 7th Borneo Junior Open Squash Championship in Malaysia in 2023. He also placed 5th at the British Junior Open Squash Championship in England in 2024.
Abdul Razak Dawood says, “Huzaifa’s recent victory is a clear demonstration of his extraordinary talent and dedication. Defeating the top-ranked player in Asia is no small feat, and Huzaifa’s impressive performance reflects the hard work he has put into his training. We are incredibly proud to sponsor such a promising young athlete and are excited to support him as he continues to excel in his squash career.”
In Pakistan, it is wonderful to see such talented kids excelling in the world of sports. With the right guidance and direction, they are not only achieving remarkable success but also paving the way for others to follow. Their enthusiasm and accomplishments inspire their peers and set a positive example.
“This news has come as such a delight. We believe in nurturing young talent and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Huzaifa’s success is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and the right support, and we are honored to be a part of his journey,” says Mehreen Dawood.
The Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation has always played a vital role in promoting talent and paving the way for successful careers for many. The initiative undertaken by the Foundation believes in changing fortunes by helping competent individuals realize their potential as champions in their chosen fields. The purpose of the Foundation is to develop strong and confident individuals, with a special emphasis on skill construction and improvement. The Foundation extends assistance to anyone who has the spirit of adventure by becoming a part of their transformative journey.
