Huzaifa’s rise to fame started at the age of seven when he appeared at his first National Junior Squash Championship (NJSC)....
COVER STORY
At the mere age of 13, young and dynamic little squash wonder Huzaifa Shahid has amassed plaudits for his excellent skillset and talent, and is being tipped to mount a serious challenge for all his opponents in the future.
Huzaifa’s rise to fame started at the age of seven when he appeared at his first National Junior Squash Championship (NJSC). A year later, he participated in the Under-11 quarterfinals of the Chief of the Air Staff Cup 2019. He reached the semifinals when he played at the Commissioner Cup the same year. The wonder boy kept growing, reaching the final and winning his first title at the age of 10, when he played at the PSF-COMBAXX in Islamabad.
With a strong squash pedigree, Huzaifa is the proud offspring of Shahid Hussain Khan who himself is a renowned squash coach of repute. Under his tutelage, Huzaifa became the winner of the Under-13 Torsam Khan NJSC 2022 and the McDonald’s National Junior Squash Championship 2023.
On the international front, Huzaifa played the semifinals of the Korean and Singapore Junior Open Squash Championship (JOSC) in 2019, stood winner of Malaysia BORNEO JOSC 2023, played the quarterfinal of the British JOSC 2024 at the University of Birmingham, England, and this year he made history by winning the much-coveted Australian Junior Open Squash Championship on 11th April 2024 at the world-famous Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Australia.
Resilience, unwavering dedication, and the triumph achieved against odds stand as a testament to Huzaifa’s talent and potential.
Us: When you made it to the finals [of the Australian JOSC], were you aware that you were going to make history?
Huzaifa Shahid: My father has taught me to fight till the last moment and never give up, and that helped me keep going. [So my focus at that time was to fight till the end.]
Us: When you stepped into the Melbourne squash court to play the final, what was in your mind?
HS: Before starting the match, I have only one thing in my mind: that I am the ambassador of Pakistan and I have to uphold my flag globally by clinching the trophy for my country.
Us: Who do you attribute your success to?
HS: Almighty Allah has been so kind that I attained this much and brought pride for my country. I would not be able to make it that big in the absence of the guidance and support of my father and mentors like Sir Tauqeer Ahmed (Pakistan Navy) and Sir Amir Nawaz and Sir Irfan Asghar from the Pakistan Air Force who appreciate my talent and always extend their support.
Us: What game technique do you consider your USP?
HS: I believe in keeping myself at the attacking end from the first step.
HS: Then I have to see the technique of the other player to find where he gets defensive to change my game plan accordingly.
Us: One often gets nervous when he finds his family sitting inside the court watching his game. Is that true in your case?
HS: For me, there couldn’t be [a bigger moment than seeing] my father sitting in the court watching me play. I feel blessed and more empowered when he is around. I really missed him in Australia where he couldn’t make it, but I knew he would be watching my game back there in Pakistan and I have to make him really proud. And when I eventually won the title, I felt as if I was holding the flag alongside my father who was the main reason behind this victory.
Us: What events are you looking forward to?
HS: A good season of important tournaments is ahead, and I am eying the upcoming junior championships in Japan, Netherlands, Hong Kong, and the U.S. If I get a good sponsor or government support, then I will be able to focus.
Us: Is there any weakness that your coaches identify, that you need to overcome to combat future challenges?
HS: I get accolades for my game skills which is of prime importance for Under-13 matches but now the main focus of my father is getting me a fitness coach for my strength training. He guides me that when I will turn fifteen, then fitness and skill will both complement each other.
Us: Your skill is your USP. How did you develop it?
HS: My father and his uncle Akbar Ali Khan, a former international squash player who represented Pakistan Air Force (1979 to 1990), went from pillar to post to improve my game skills and guided me on how to get an advantage over an opponent’s weakness by keeping yourself at the attacking side.
Us: What do you think you need to do to improve your game and to continue your winning streak unabated?
HS: To bring versatility to my game I need more international exposure. Unfortunately, the number of tournaments, held in Pakistan are few and far between and to improve my game, I need to play with internationally acclaimed squash players to work on my skills.
Us: Who are your favourite squash players in juniors and seniors?
HS: Egyptian player Ali Farag has always inspired me as player. His game, powerhouse energy, technique, and on-court demeanour make him truly an icon.
Us: Are you not inclined towards mobile phone and games like boys of your age?
HS: A large chunk of my time is spent at the courts and the rest on my studies, so I hardly get time for anything. Besides, I don’t find these amusing. I’d rather watch squash matches on TV.
Us: What subjects in school are your favourite and what field inspires you?
HS: I like science subjects and aerospace is the field I find very captivating.
