In 2023, Hamza Khan, representing Pakistan, clinched the World Junior title in squash, defeating Egypt’s Muhammad Zakarya. His victory, however, was soon overshadowed by queries regarding his age
Egypt’s Allegations & WSF’s Investigation
The Egypt Squash Federation raised doubts about the age of the young champion, prompting the World Squash Federation (WSF) to delve into the matter. In their quest for clarity, the WSF consulted various experts, including the WSF Medical Commission and the International Olympic Committee.
Addressing the concerns, the WSF officially stated that no evidence was found to suggest that Hamza Khan’s age differed from what was mentioned in his passport. They further noted Hamza’s participation in several international junior events over the years, with consistent birthdate records. The WSF emphasized the absence of any medically recognized procedure that can precisely determine an individual’s age without substantial margins of error.
Concluding the investigation, the Egyptian and Pakistani Squash Federations were informed, and the matter was resolved.