Pakistan’s Noor Zaman emerged victorious in the Chief of the Air Staff International Squash Championship after a gripping five-game final at the Mus’haf Squash Complex in Islamabad. The championship, featuring a total prize fund of USD 37,000, witnessed intense competition and highlighted the nation’s growing squash talent.
In the final, 10th seed Hamza Khan began strongly, securing the first two games 11-9 and 11-7. However, Noor Zaman, the world U23 champion and second seed ranked 42nd globally, staged a remarkable comeback, winning the next three games 11-7, 11-4, and 11-8 to clinch the trophy.
Noor Zaman, grandson of former world champion Qamar Zaman, displayed exceptional skill, focus, and resilience under pressure, overturning an early deficit to lift the championship.
Hamza Khan’s journey to the final was equally impressive, as he produced two major upsets, defeating top-seeded Egyptian Kareem El Hammamy in the quarterfinals and overcoming sixth-seed David Burnett of Sweden in the semifinals.
The championship reaffirmed Pakistan’s presence on the international squash stage, showcasing a new generation of players ready to compete at the highest levels.
