In a thrilling display of resilience and talent, Pakistan’s Noor Zaman emerged victorious at the inaugural Under-23 World Squash Championship, held at the prestigious DHA Creek Club in Karachi. Facing Egypt’s Karim El Turky in a nail-biting five-set final, Zaman secured a 3-2 win that reignited hopes of a squash revival in a country once known as the sport’s powerhouse.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The last was a demonstration of grit and calm, with the two players taking each other to the extreme. Zaman, attributing his victory to persistent hard work and God’s benevolence, fought through tense rallies and momentum changes to seize the gold medal and a $5,250 award. His opponent, El Turky, took with him the silver medal and a $3,450 prize, as respect for his perseverance.
This victory is a watershed moment in Zaman’s burgeoning career and is a strong declaration that Pakistan’s squash legacy—constructed by icons such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan—is not forgotten at all.
Egypt Overwhelms the Women’s Final
In the women’s competition, Egypt’s highest seeded Fairooz Aboulkheir provided a dominant performance, beating Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk in straight sets (3-0) to take the crown. Aboulkheir’s dominance testified to Egypt’s continued dominance of international squash, while Chan took a well-deserved silver.
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National Pride and Political Praise
The win generated waves of euphoria nationwide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted about Zaman’s win, hailing it as a moment to be proud of for the country. “God willing, Pakistan will regain its lost glory in squash,” he said. President Asif Ali Zardari concurred, applauding Zaman’s consistency in the tournament.
A Revival on Home Soil
Organising the first U23 World Squash Championship itself was a significant achievement. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, in the closing ceremony, welcomed the tournament as Pakistan’s moment of pride and reiterated the government’s patronage for young sportspersons. The championship was organised with the joint efforts of the Pakistan Squash Federation, Sindh government, DHA, and the Pakistan Air Force.
With young heroes such as Noor Zaman spearheading the attack, Pakistan’s squash resurgence not only appears feasible—but inevitable.
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