National junior squash championship begins in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The All Pakistan National Junior Squash Championship 2026 got under way on Wednesday at the Qamar Zaman Squash Complex in Peshawar, with the event organised by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of Sports.

According to the organisers, more than 100 boys and girls from all four provinces, Islamabad, the army and the Pakistan Air Force are competing in the Under-15 category. Taj Muhammad Tarand, adviser to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister on sports and youth affairs, attended the opening ceremony as chief guest.

Several officials were also present at the ceremony, including Secretary Sports Muhammad Asif Khan, Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider, Additional Director General Sports Rashida Ghaznavi, Deputy Director Nematullah, Director Sports Operations Jamshid Baloch, Organising Secretary Munawar Zaman, Secretary Mansoor Zaman, Chief Coach Shafqatullah and other office-bearers of the Provincial Squash Association.

Government says event supports young talent

Speaking at the ceremony, Tarand said the provincial government was creating opportunities for young athletes to display and develop their abilities through junior-level competitions in different sports, and described the squash championship as part of that effort. He said Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi would formally inaugurate the event on June 7.

Tarand said national-level championships were being held not only to give emerging players competitive exposure but also to help them improve their technical game. He added that the provincial government was taking practical measures to promote sports and provide modern facilities, while work was continuing to ensure similar sports infrastructure across districts so players could move forward and perform at national and international level.

Officials highlight broader participation

Secretary Sports Muhammad Asif Khan and Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider also addressed the gathering. They said the championship had drawn participants from all four provinces, Islamabad, the army and the PAF.

They added that the provincial government had placed sports development among its priorities, which they said had led to better infrastructure and the continuation of sporting activities. According to the two officials, these measures would help athletes from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa produce stronger performances in competitions at home and abroad.