M. Irshad Ullah
PESHAWAR: Shahid Zaman Khan, former National Champion, World No. 14, and Asian Champion, is exceptionally optimistic about the future of Pakistani squash.
Confident in the nation’s potential, he believes that Pakistan will once again produce Top-10 players on the global stage in the near future.
According to him, the recent achievements of rising stars Hamza Khan and Noor Zaman are a clear reflection of the hard work and expert guidance of their coach, Zahid Gul.
During a recent visit to his hometown of Quetta, Shahid personally trained Hamza Khan in the city’s rugged, high-altitude mountains.
He also spent time mentoring Zahid Gul, sharing advanced training techniques to elevate the performance of both young athletes. Shahid is convinced that their upcoming results in the PSA circuit will prove that Hamza and Noor are well on their way to entering the world’s Top 10.
Shahid Zaman Khan’s dedication to the sport extends far beyond professional coaching. Deeply connected to Quetta and its people, he has taken it upon himself to support talented but underprivileged children. With the assistance of Zahid Gul, he donates rackets, shirts, balls, and other essential equipment — contributions made from his own pocket.
This kind of grassroots support, particularly in Quetta, is unprecedented and reflects Shahid’s immense love for his hometown and country.
To further nurture emerging talent, Shahid has sponsored six junior tournaments in Quetta, creating valuable opportunities for young athletes. He often recalls his own humble beginnings, when financial hardships made it difficult for him to afford basic sporting essentials.
This personal experience fuels his mission to ensure that no aspiring child is held back because of financial limitations.
Shahid also proudly highlights the influence of his father, Mr. Gul Bahadur Khan — a legendary coach and a highly respected figure in charity and philanthropy in Quetta.
Still alive and actively inspiring the community, Mr. Gul Bahadur has dedicated his life to supporting poor children and guiding them toward brighter futures. Shahid and his brother Zahid Gul attribute their values, discipline, and love for squash to their father’s teachings.
Today, Shahid Zaman Khan continues to look ahead with hope and confidence. His own sons — Muhammad Khan, Arslan Khan, and Yousuf Khan — are performing exceptionally well and emerging as promising junior players. They follow the path paved by Hamza Khan and Noor Zaman, who recently became World Champions in the U19 and U23 categories.
With such strong foundations, passionate mentors, and rising young stars, Shahid Zaman Khan firmly believes that a new golden era of Pakistani squash is fast approaching one that will restore the nation’s legacy in the global arena.
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