Pakistan’s Noor Zaman Reaches U23 World Squash Championship Final on Home Soil
Karachi, April 9 – Pakistan’s rising squash star Noor Zaman is just one win away from being crowned world champion after securing a spot in the final of the inaugural U23 World Squash Championships, currently being held at the DHA Creek Club in Karachi.
Zaman, 21, advanced to the final following a semi-final victory over Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran, who was forced to retire due to illness during the third game. Zaman had already dominated the match with a 2-0 lead before the retirement, showcasing the form and composure that has seen him shine throughout the tournament.
Noor Zaman Eyes Glory in Front of Home Crowd
Speaking after the match, Zaman said: “Alhamdulillah, reaching the World Championship final is a huge honor for me, my family, and for Pakistan. My grandfather, the great Qamar Zaman, has guided me since I was eight. I’ve trained hard, especially after the World Team Championships, and it’s paying off.”
Zaman now faces Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey, the No. 3/4 seed, in the final on April 10 at 5:00 PM (GMT+5). El Torkey staged a strong comeback to defeat top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani, also from Egypt, in a heated semi-final clash.
El Torkey Shocks Top Seed Elkabbani
El Torkey lost the opening game 7-11 but bounced back in commanding style, winning the next three 11-2, 11-8, and 11-5. Elkabbani’s frustration showed as the match progressed, and a conduct stroke was awarded against him following repeated outbursts—an opportunity El Torkey used to seal his place in the final.
Women’s Final Set: Egypt vs Hong Kong
In the women’s competition, top seed Fayrouz Aboelkheir of Egypt booked her place in the final after a convincing 3-1 win over Malaysia’s Aira Azman. Aboelkheir had revenge on her mind, having lost to Azman in the 2023 World Junior Championships. This time, she took control early and closed the match 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4.
She will face Chan Sin Yuk of Hong Kong in the final, after the 3/4 seed overcame Malaysia’s Xin Ying Yee in a five-game thriller. Chan led 2-0 before Yee fought back to level the match. However, Chan regrouped in the decider to dominate 11-3 and book her place in the championship match.
Historic Moment for Pakistan Squash
This tournament marks a historic return of world championship squash to Pakistan for the first time in over two decades. The pressure has been high for local players, but Zaman has remained steady, defeating top international opponents like Melvil Scianimanico, Jakub Pytlowany, and Hussain Alzaatari on his way to the final.
Out of six Pakistani participants, Zaman is the last man standing—and now just one match away from a fairytale ending on home soil.
Finals Schedule – U23 World Squash Championships (April 10)
🟩 Women’s Final – 4:15 PM (GMT+5)
[1] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (Egypt) vs. [3/4] Chan Sin Yuk (Hong Kong)
🟩 Men’s Final – 5:00 PM (GMT+5)
[2] Noor Zaman (Pakistan) vs. [3/4] Kareem El Torkey (Egypt)
🎥 Watch Live on WORLDSQUASH.TV, the Olympic Channel, and Myco Sports.
Semi-Final Results Recap:
Men’s Semi-Finals
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[2] Noor Zaman (PAK) def. [3/4] Ameeshenraj Chandaran (MAS) – 11-6, 11-2, 6-4 (retired)
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[3/4] Kareem El Torkey (EGY) def. [1] Ibrahim Elkabbani (EGY) – 7-11, 11-2, 11-8, 11-5
Women’s Semi-Finals
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[1] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) def. [3/4] Aira Azman (MAS) – 11-8, 11-7, 7-11, 11-4
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[3/4] Chan Sin Yuk (HKG) def. [5/8] Xin Ying Yee (MAS) – 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 7-11, 11-3
