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| Pakistani squash player posing after defeating counterpart. — Reporter |
Pakistan’s Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman Power into Nash Cup Semifinals
Rising stars Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman storm into the Nash Cup Squash semifinals, giving Pakistan two strong contenders in the $31,250 PSA World Series event.
Pakistani squash player posing after defeating counterpart. — ReporterLAHORE: Pakistan’s squash players Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman advanced to the semifinals of the Nash Cup tournament on Friday with commanding performances, defeating India’s Veer Chotrani and Colombia’s...
Pakistan’s squash stars Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman made the nation proud after storming into the semifinals of the prestigious Nash Cup 2025 in Canada, showcasing remarkable determination and skill that reflected the country’s rich squash heritage.
Ashab Irfan pulled off a stunning comeback against India’s Veer Chotrani, turning around a two-set deficit to win 3–2. Despite losing the opening sets 9–11 and 4–11, the 21-year-old Pakistani regrouped brilliantly, using precise shot-making and exceptional court coverage to dominate the final three games 11–8, 11–8, 11–8.
His victory marked one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament and solidified his growing reputation as one of Pakistan’s brightest squash prospects.
Meanwhile, Noor Zaman, another promising player from Pakistan, advanced with an impressive 3–1 win over Colombia’s Ronald Palomino. Noor started aggressively, taking the first game 11–4, narrowly lost the second 10–12, but quickly regained control to clinch the next two 11–7, 11–7, sealing his place in the semifinals in just 52 minutes.
With both Irfan and Zaman reaching the last four, Pakistan now has two representatives in the semifinals of the $31,250 PSA World Series Nash Cup—an achievement that highlights the country’s emerging talent on the global squash stage.
Pakistan’s Squash Revival on the Global Stage
For decades, Pakistan dominated world squash, producing legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. Though the golden era waned, recent performances by players like Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman signal a promising resurgence.
Their back-to-back victories at an international level prove that Pakistan’s young athletes are steadily reclaiming their place in global competitions.
Both players train under modern, high-intensity regimes that emphasize fitness, mental focus, and tactical precision—qualities evident in their performances in Canada.
The Significance of the Nash Cup
The Nash Cup is a recognized PSA World Tour event that attracts top players from across the globe. With a prize purse of $31,250, the tournament offers a critical platform for rising players to earn ranking points and gain exposure against seasoned international opponents.
For Pakistani athletes, tournaments like the Nash Cup represent more than just competition—they symbolize opportunity.
Success in such global tournaments not only raises individual rankings but also helps rebuild Pakistan’s standing in international squash circles.
The Path Ahead
As they head into the semifinals, Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman carry the hopes of a nation that once dominated the sport. Their progress so far showcases the grit and determination essential for Pakistan’s squash revival.
Coaches and former players have praised their mental resilience, particularly Ashab’s comeback win, which mirrors the legendary fighting spirit Pakistani players are known for.
Both athletes will face challenging semifinal matches, but their performance already speaks volumes about Pakistan’s renewed promise in international squash.
FAQs
Q: Who are Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman?
A: They are emerging Pakistani squash players who have qualified for the semifinals of the 2025 Nash Cup, a major PSA World Tour event.
Q: What makes Ashab Irfan’s victory so remarkable?
A: Ashab staged an incredible comeback after being two sets down against India’s Veer Chotrani, winning 3–2 in a high-intensity match.
Q: How did Noor Zaman perform in his quarterfinal match?
A: Noor defeated Colombia’s Ronald Palomino 3–1 with scores of 11–4, 10–12, 11–7, and 11–7, displaying strong composure and consistency.
Q: What is the Nash Cup Squash Tournament?
A: The Nash Cup is a PSA World Series event offering a $31,250 prize pool, featuring top international squash players.
Q: Why is Pakistan’s performance in the Nash Cup important?
A: It showcases the revival of Pakistan’s squash talent and reaffirms the country’s legacy in the sport once dominated by greats like Jahangir and Jansher Khan.