Pakistan secured their 16th men’s Asian Team Squash Championship title on Saturday, defeating South Korea 2-0 in the final at Islamabad’s Mushaf Squash Complex to end a decade-long wait for the continental crown.
Noor Zaman and Asim Khan delivered convincing victories in their respective matches, sealing the championship for the hosts and giving Pakistan their first gold medal in the competition since 2016.
The triumph adds another chapter to Pakistan’s distinguished history in Asian squash, with the national team now having won the men’s title 16 times.
Pakistan advanced to the final after overcoming Hong Kong China 2-0 in the semi-finals.
Asim Khan defeated Wong Chi Him 11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 11-3 in a contest lasting 50 minutes, while Noor Zaman recovered from losing the opening game to beat Lau Tsz Kwan 5-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 in 44 minutes.
South Korea reached the championship decider following a 2-1 semi-final victory over defending champions Malaysia. Seojin Oh secured the decisive point against Duncan Lee, winning 1-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9.
In the women’s competition, Pakistan suffered a 2-1 defeat against Iran.
Iran’s Narges Soltani opened the tie with an 11-9, 11-5, 11-8 victory over Sehrish Ali before Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali levelled the contest by defeating Baran Mohammadpoor 11-4, 3-11, 11-8, 11-9.
Fereshteh Eghtedar then secured the deciding victory for Iran, beating Sana Bahadar 11-8, 11-6, 11-6. The result earned Iran’s women’s team their first bronze medal in the championship’s history.
The 23rd Asian Team Squash Championship was held in Islamabad from November 3 to 7 after the Asian Squash Federation postponed the tournament from its original April schedule because of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Following the championship, Pakistan is set to host four additional international squash tournaments offering combined prize money of $439,000, further strengthening the country’s presence on the international squash calendar.