Gold medallist Aamir Atlas Khan of Pakistan gets off to a good start
Asian Games gold and silver medallist, Pakistan's Aamir Atlas annihilated compatriot Hamza Bokhari of Punjab in an arduous five set tussle at the 31st National Games that took place at the Pakistan Air Force Hashim Khan Squash
Complex in Peshawar, Pakistan.
The 54-minute match was initiated just as Atlas took the first set 11-7. Proceeding further, Aamir bagged the second set based upon his 11-6 win. The two remained evenly contested all throughout the third set of the match. However,
the set went in favour of Bokhari as he took it 12-10. After having made his way back into the game, Hamza took the fourth set 11-8 to draw with Aamir. Nevertheless, the match was brought to a close as Atlas took the deciding fifth set 12-10, marking his victory.
The squash event was inaugurated by Sports Minister Balochistan, Mir Shah Nawaz Marri, who was the chief guest of the occasion. The tournament brought together players from all affiliated units of the Pakistan Olympic Association.
Additionally, Atlas was the top seeded professional amongst a draw of 16 players in the individuals’ category.
Seeded no. 2 at the championship, World No. 30, Farhan Mehboob of Pakistan won the National Games in Karachi and Quetta. The professional is currently out to defend the title for the third consecutive year in Peshawar.
In addition, Sheikh Saqib of HEC defeated Mujahid of the Pakistan Army, taking the match 11-3, 11-8 and 11-9 in straight sets. Azam Khan of Sindh faced defeat at the hands of Waqar Mehboob of the PAF as he was beaten 11-3, 9-11,
6-11 and 7-11.
Saifullah of Balochistan was thrashed 4-11, 7-11 and 8-11 by Safeer Ullah of the PAF in the pre-quarterfinal match played between the two. Furthermore, no. 2 seed Farhan Zaman, represented the Pakistan Air Force to defeat Murtaza
of Balochistan. The match was taken 11-9, 11-7 and 11-8 by Zaman.
Mansoor Zaman of KP elminated Kashif of Sindh defeating him 11-4, 11-7 and 11-7. Aqib Hanif of the HEC was beaten 12-10, 11-9, 7-11, 8-11 and 6-11 by Shanawaz of the Pakistan Army.
Tags: