Pakistan’s squash team has made a significant mark at the World Games 2025 by advancing to the final of the squash Plate event, thanks to a crucial victory by Noor Zaman.
In the semifinals, Zaman secured a hard-fought 3-1 win against his Japanese opponent, ensuring Pakistan’s place in the title match and demonstrating the country’s growing prowess in international squash competitions.
The World Games 2025 are being hosted from August 8 to 12 at the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre in China, specifically in the Public Fitness Gymnasium. This prestigious event brings together top athletes from around the world to compete in various sports, including squash.
The squash competition itself features both men’s and women’s singles events, each following a classic single-elimination (knockout) format. The tournament has attracted 32 competitors from 24 nations, underscoring its global appeal and the high level of competition.
Squash has been a consistent part of The World Games since 1997, with the exception of the 2001 edition, and the 2025 event in Chengdu continues this tradition with strong international participation and exciting matches.
The Plate event, in which Pakistan has excelled, runs alongside the main draw. It is designed to give players who are eliminated early in the main competition a second chance to continue competing and showcase their skills. This secondary bracket allows athletes to gain more match experience and maintain competitive momentum, even after an early exit from the main draw.
Pakistan’s representation in squash at the World Games includes both Noor Zaman and Nasir Iqbal, marking a milestone for the country in this global sporting arena.
Nasir Iqbal, despite facing an early exit in the main draw, demonstrated resilience and determination by advancing through the Plate event with dominant performances. One notable victory was a straight-games win against Austria’s Daniel Lutz, which highlighted his competitive spirit and potential.
This participation marks Pakistan’s debut in squash at the World Games, signaling the nation’s rising profile in the sport and its commitment to nurturing talent capable of competing on the world stage.
The achievements of Zaman and Iqbal in the Plate event serve as an inspiration for aspiring squash players in Pakistan and contribute to the country’s rich sporting history.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on Pakistan as it vies for the Plate event title, aiming to build on this success and make an even stronger impact in future international squash tournaments.
