Pakistan’s Noor Zaman has etched his name in squash history by clinching the 2025 U-23 World Squash Championship title in a thrilling comeback victory. The 21-year-old from Peshawar faced off against Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey in an intense final at the prestigious DHA Creek Club in Karachi, marking a historic milestone for Pakistani squash.
Zaman’s remarkable 3-2 victory demonstrated not only his technical skill but also his exceptional mental resilience under pressure. The match saw Zaman initially struggle as El Torkey, known for his aggressive style, took an early 2-1 lead, winning the second and third games 9-11 and 4-11, respectively. At that moment, it seemed as though the Egyptian might dominate, but Zaman’s determination and composure turned the tide in his favor.
In the fourth game, Zaman found his rhythm, edging past El Torkey 11-9 to level the match. The fifth and deciding game saw Zaman at his absolute best, delivering a controlled and focused performance that saw him win 11-7, securing the title in front of a passionate home crowd.
The final scoreline was an exciting reflection of the intense battle: 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, and 11-7. Zaman’s ability to recover after dropping two consecutive games and his strategic adjustments in the final moments were key to his success.
Throughout the tournament, Zaman displayed extraordinary physical fitness and a calm demeanor, defeating tough opponents such as France’s Melvil Scianimanico, Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany, and Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari. His journey to the final was filled with moments of brilliance, as he exhibited the potential to become one of the world’s top squash players.
El Torkey, who had already made waves by upsetting top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani in the semi-finals, also put up a strong fight in the final. Despite his early dominance, Zaman’s adaptability and composure under pressure proved to be the deciding factors in the match.
Zaman’s victory marks a historic moment for Pakistan, as he becomes the first Pakistani player to win the U-23 World Squash Championship. This achievement not only cements his status as one of the brightest young talents in squash but also brings a sense of pride to Pakistan, a country with a rich squash legacy, once dominated by legends such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan.
Speaking after his victory, Zaman dedicated his win to his fellow Pakistanis, especially the fans who supported him throughout the tournament. “This win is for Pakistan,” he said. “The support I received from my country was overwhelming, and it pushed me to give my best on the court. I’m proud to carry forward the rich legacy of squash in Pakistan.”
Noor Zaman’s triumph is symbolic of the revival of Pakistan’s squash dominance. His victory offers a beacon of hope for the future of the sport in the country and serves as an inspiration for young players aspiring to follow in his footsteps. With this win, Zaman has not only secured his place in history but has also sparked a renewed sense of pride in Pakistan’s squash community.
Final Score:
Noor Zaman (Pakistan) 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-7
Kareem El Torkey (Egypt)
As Pakistan celebrates this momentous achievement, Zaman’s future in squash looks incredibly promising, and his victory is expected to be one of the standout sporting stories of 2025.
