Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met World Junior Squash Champion Hamza Khan and awarded him a cash prize of Rs10 million, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

Hamza Khan thanked the prime minister for the encouragement and also appreciated the support of the Pakistan Squash Federation.

The prime minister also spoke to Hamza’s parents in Pashto. He congratulated Hamza Khan on winning the World Junior Squash Championship in Australia and appreciated his performance.

“Talented youths like you are the pride of the nation and a national asset. By winning such a big squash title for Pakistan after decades, it made the entire nation, including me, proud,” the prime minister said to Hamza Khan.

“Squash is a great game. I used to play squash in the past. Hope you will soon win the world senior squash title with your hard work and dedication,” he expressed best wishes for Hamza Khan.

“You are a role model for the youths and sportsmen of Pakistan. It has always been my effort to provide international sports facilities to the youth,” he stated.

“Recently, we launched national sports initiatives for the promotion of sports and development of athletes across Pakistan,” he added.

“Establishing the first sports university and providing financial and technical facilities to prepare talented youths of this country for international competitions are also part of this programme,” he declared.

Reporter: Awais Kiyani