The World Squash Federation (WSF) confirmed that they received concern over World Junior Squash champion Hamza Khan's age from Egyptian Squash Federation (ESF).
In a released statement, WSF said that ESF submitted a request to verify the age of Hamza, 17, who defeated their participant Mohamed Zakaria in the final on July 23 to bring the junior squash title back to Pakistan after 37 years.
"Prior to all WSF-sanctioned junior events, players must submit their passport and Squash Personal Identification Number (SPIN) to prove identity, nationality and age,
"As the recognised International Federation of the sport, the WSF has a responsibility to fully investigate the request from the Egyptian Squash Federation. There will be no further comment until the investigation is complete," the statement read.
Meanwhile, an official of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has said that the PSF is a professional organisation and it conducts all required tests before sending a player to any age-group event.
“Like any other event, Hamza Khan’s age was medically tested before he was nominated for World Junior Squash Championship,” said Zafaryab Iqbal, secretary of PSF.
“We have all documentary evidences of his age which proves him eligible to play in world junior championship,” he added.
Zafaryab further said that WSF has not formally contacted PSF on the matter and whenever a formal contact will be made, the they will reply to it accordingly.
Hamza’s father Niaz Khan confirmed to Geo News that Hamza’s date of birth is 2nd November 2005 and according to that, he is not even 18 years old at this stage.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.