PESHAWAR - Umer Jhanghir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa clinched the National junior boys’ title in the National Junior Badminton Championship at Abdullah Wali Khan Sports Complex, Charsadda.
Umer earned the honor of becoming the only player of Pakistan to win the titles of U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19. After Umer’s tremendous triumph, his coach Nadeem Khan said: “Umer Jhanghir has potential to reach to the international level but for this, he should continue his hard work and exhibit his commitment because standard is so high at that level.”
Secretary Sports Abid Majeed, who was the chief guest at the final and prize distribution ceremony, expressed the hope that Umer’s performance clearly indicated that soon he would win the national seniors title as well. He also lauded the efforts put in by his two international coaches Nadeem Khan and Hayat Ullah as in U-19 singles final, it was an all-KP affair. Umer defeated KP’s Malik Danyaal 2-1 in the final as the score was 23-21, 19-21 and 21-13.
In the girls U-19 singles final, national junior champion Alja Tariq (Balochistan) routed Hadiqa Aftab (Punjab) 21-7, 21-4. In the girls U-17 singles final, Sumiya Tariq (Army) beat Ammarah Ishtiaq (Sindh) 21-19, 16-21, 21-10 while in boys U-17 singles final, Abdul Manan (Army) beat Saad Amir (Punjab) 22-24, 21-11, 21-16. In boy’s U-15 singles final, Zain Bajwa (Punjab) beat Fahad Khan (KP) 21-19, 21-17 while in girls’ U-19 doubles final, Sumiya/Alja beat Umama/Deena 21-15, 21-10. In boys doubles final, KP’s Afnan/Hamza beat KP’s Umer/Zayad 21-17, 21-11.
At the end, MPA Nisar Mohmand, Secretary Sports Abid Majeed, Deputy Commissioner Swat Junaid Khan, District Sports Officer Charsadda Tehseen Ullah and KPBA President Zafar Ali Khan gave away trophies, certificates and cash prizes to the position holders.
