In a historic achievement for Pakistani squash, 21-year-old Noor Zaman claimed the title at the first-ever WSF World U23 Squash Championship in Karachi. With exceptional determination and skill, Zaman fought his way to victory, overcoming Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey in a thrilling five-set match. His performance was a testament to his focus and talent, securing a well-earned win on home ground.
Noor Zaman Stages Thrilling Comeback to Clinch Title:
The championship match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Zaman started off behind, trailing by two sets (2-0), but with unwavering determination, he mounted a remarkable comeback to win the next three sets, securing a 3-2 victory. Reflecting on his performance, Zaman stated, “I had it in my mind to fight till the very end”.
Road to the Final:
On his journey to the final, Noor Zaman overcame several top contenders, including France’s Melvil Scianimanico, Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany, and Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari, showcasing his skill and determination at every stage of the tournament.
Zaman secured his place in the final with a commanding display against Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran in the semifinals. He was already leading by two games when his opponent was forced to retire, sealing Zaman’s path to the championship match.
National Leaders Applaud Zaman’s Historic Win:
The victory was not only a personal milestone for Noor Zaman but also a significant moment for Pakistan’s squash legacy. His triumph was celebrated nationwide, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari extending their congratulations. The Prime Minister remarked that Zaman’s performance brought “global recognition to Pakistan,” expressing optimism about the country’s future in squash.
Zaman’s win also earned him a spot in the prestigious PSA World Championship, marking a significant step in his professional career.
A New Chapter in Pakistan’s Squash History:
This remarkable victory adds a new chapter to Pakistan’s proud squash legacy, echoing the golden era once ruled by legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. With rising stars like Noor Zaman leading the charge, Pakistan is poised for a powerful resurgence on the global squash stage.
Noor Zaman Fuels Pakistan’s Olympic Hopes:
Noor Zaman has quickly emerged as one of Pakistan’s brightest prospects and a potential contender for the LA28 Olympics. With his recent triumph at the inaugural WSF World U23 Squash Championships, Zaman has proven his ability to perform under pressure and compete at the highest level. His relentless drive, refined skills, and mental toughness make him a strong candidate to carry Pakistan’s squash legacy onto the Olympic stage. As the country rallies behind this rising star, Noor represents not just a beacon of hope for a return to international squash dominance, but also a symbol of a new generation ready to make its mark on the world stage.
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Fairooz Aboulkheir Dominates Women’s Final to Claim U23 Title:
In the women’s category, Egypt’s Fairooz Aboulkheir claimed the championship title with a commanding straight-set victory over Hong Kong’s, Chan Sin Yuk, finishing the match 3-0.
Prize and Prestige: Champions Rewarded After Stellar Performances
Both champions were awarded gold medals, winners’ trophies, and a prize of $5,250 each. The runners-up took home silver medals along with a cash prize of $3,450.
More Success for Pakistan as Ammad and Amna Medal in Plate Finals:
Alongside Zaman’s remarkable victory, Pakistan delivered a strong performance in the Plate Event of the Under-23 Championships. Muhammad Ammad secured gold in the men’s division with a win over Canada’s Karim Michael, while Amna Fayyaz earned silver in the women’s category after a hard-fought battle against Sri Lanka’s Yeheni Kuruppu.
