Noor Zaman wins U23 World Squash Championship after thrilling match
- Sara Habib
- April 11, 2025
- 1:41 pm
- 40
- Sports
Noor Zaman wins U23 World Squash Championship after an intense five-set final in Karachi. He faced Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey at the DHA Creek Club. The victory marked a proud moment in Pakistan squash history.
A shaky start, then a bold comeback
The final match started with drama. Noor lost momentum early. El Torkey won the first two games with scores of 11-4 and 14-12. The Egyptian played calmly and kept control.
But Noor did not give up. The home crowd cheered loudly, shouting “Shabash Noor!” He changed his strategy and fought back. He won the third game 11-8, showing smart moves and strong focus.
Energy shifts in Noor’s favor
In the fourth game, Noor kept his cool. The energy of the match shifted. He dominated the court and won 11-5, leveling the match 2-2.
The final game was full of pressure. Noor led early with 5-0, then 9-5. At match point, 10-6, he hit a perfect shot. The ball landed just right. The crowd erupted. Noor had won the championship. The final score: 4-11, 12-14, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6.
Emotional celebration and pride for Pakistan
After the win, Noor dropped his racquet and fell to the floor. His teammates stormed the court with the Pakistan flag. His grandfather, squash legend Qamar Zaman, hugged him as the crowd gave a standing ovation.
In his interview, Noor said, “I was down two games, and the only thing I had in my mind was that I need to show how hard I’ve worked to get here. And Alhamdulillah, the match was mine.”
A rising star with a strong journey
Noor Zaman wins U23 title after defeating top players in earlier rounds. He beat France’s Melvil Scianimanico, Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany, and Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari. In the semifinal, he advanced after Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran retired due to injury.
The crowd included squash legends like Jahangir Khan and Gogi Aladdin. They proudly watched this major Pakistan squash victory unfold.
Praise from leaders and a hopeful future
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “Noor Zaman has brought global recognition to Pakistan through his performance. The entire nation is proud of him.”
President Asif Ali Zardari also praised Noor’s performance and shared hopes for his future success.
At the closing ceremony, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and World Squash Federation President Zena Woolridge appreciated the players. Woolridge said, “The camaraderie shows that sports has no boundaries, not language nor culture. The camaraderie has been fantastic both on and off court.”
New hero for Pakistan squash
Egypt’s Fayrouz Abouelkheir won the women’s final, defeating Chan Sin Yuk of Hong Kong.
Noor Zaman wins U23 title and brings a new wave of excitement to squash in Pakistan. His victory at DHA Creek Club starts a new chapter. Pakistan squash has a new hero.
