PESHAWAR
Sadaf Afridi, a talented emerging squash player from Khyber District, brought pride to her region by clinching the National Junior Squash Championship title in the Girls Under-15 Plate event. The championship, organized by the Pakistan Squash Federation, was held at the Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex in Islamabad. In a thrilling final, Sadaf showcased remarkable skill and determination, defeating Hiba Imtiaz with a score of 3-2.
The final match began with Hiba Imtiaz dominating the opening set, putting pressure on Sadaf’s coach, Fazal Mahmood, and her supporters. However, Sadaf remained composed, playing with confidence and precision.
Her strategic approach and aggressive gameplay unsettled her opponent, who eventually struggled to maintain her performance.
Sadaf not only claimed the championship but also left the audience in awe with her exceptional skills. Speaking to the media after the match, she expressed her joy over winning her first major title. She credited her success to Allah Almighty, her parents, coach Fazal Mahmood, the provincial squash association, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department for their unwavering support.
In her post-match remarks, Sadaf stated, “My success is the result of hard work, my parents’ support, and my coach’s guidance. Squash is my passion, and from the moment I stepped into the court for training, I vowed to make a name for myself in this sport. With perseverance, I overcame challenges and, by Allah’s grace, achieved this milestone.” She further expressed her dream of representing Pakistan internationally and winning the women’s world champion title.
Sadaf Afridi emphasized that her triumph is not only a personal achievement but also an inspiration for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly for female athletes. “This victory proves that the women of our region are equally talented. If provided with proper guidance and opportunities, they can shine on the global stage and bring glory to Pakistan,” she added.
Sadaf’s victory marks a significant milestone for squash in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and highlights the potential of young female athletes in the region.
