Renowned squash player and humanitarian, Ahsan Ayaz, was awarded the prestigious Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Award during the sixth Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit, hosted at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar.
The event, organized by the Directorate of Youth Affairs in collaboration with Metrix Pakistan, recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the progress, pride, and welfare of the province.
Rising Star of Pakistani Squash
At just 25, Ahsan Ayaz has emerged as a shining ambassador for Pakistani squash, proudly representing his country in more than 30 countries.
Among his many achievements are a championship win at the Malaysian Tour IV, a silver medal at the Finnish Open Squash Championship, and fourteen bronze medals in PSA events worldwide.
Most notably, he played a crucial role in helping Pakistan reclaim the World Junior Team Championship title in Poland, a victory that came after an eight-year drought and was celebrated nationally.
Climbing the Ranks and Recent Performances
As of February 2025, Ayaz holds the 178th spot in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) world rankings, with his career-best world ranking of 87 attained in April 2018.
Recently, Ayaz reached the final of the 247 International Squash Championship in New Jersey, USA, where he impressed audiences by defeating Egypt’s Karim Elbarbary in straight games — reaffirming his status as one of Pakistan’s premier athletes on the global squash circuit.
Championing Social Causes and Human Rights
Beyond his athletic achievements, Ahsan Ayaz is deeply committed to humanitarian and social causes.
He has actively funded and organized treatment support for patients battling liver and kidney diseases, partnering with healthcare NGOs to extend free medical assistance to the underprivileged.
Recognizing the power of sports to change lives, Ayaz runs community upliftment programs, providing free squash coaching and educational workshops for marginalized youth, particularly in underserved regions of Pakistan.
Through his initiatives, he seeks to foster education, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
Ahsan Ayaz is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and human rights.
Using his platform as a public figure and social media influencer, he campaigns to break the stigma around mental health, promotes the rights of vulnerable groups, and champions the importance of access to sports and education for all — regardless of socio-economic background.
His efforts align closely with global movements supporting human dignity, equality, and inclusive development.
Academic Journey and Coaching Credentials
Currently based in Houston, Texas, Ayaz holds the prestigious title of a US Squash Level 3 Certified Coach, a testament to his expertise and dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes.
He possesses an MBA in Project Management from Ascencia Business School (UAE) and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Peshawar — reflecting a strong balance between academic pursuit and sporting excellence.
About the Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards
The Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards are the province’s highest civilian honors, awarded to exceptional individuals for their outstanding achievements in various fields, including sports, education, arts, and public service.
Organized by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Affairs, the awards aim to recognize trailblazers like Ahsan Ayaz who not only bring pride to the province but also serve as catalysts for positive social change.
