Pakistan’s U-23 World Squash Champion Noor Zaman chatting with Geo Information in Birmingham, UK. — Reporter/File
BIRMINGHAM: Rising Pakistani squash sensation Noor Zaman, contemporary off his triumph on the Beneath-23 World Championship, is now set to compete in one of many sport’s most prestigious tournaments — the British Open.
The 20-year-old has not solely emerged as a high expertise lately however can also be proudly carrying ahead one among Pakistan’s most illustrious squash legacies. He shall be up in opposition to England’s Curtis Malik within the first spherical on Sunday (right now).
Noor who hails from one other legendary squash household of Pakistan, is the grandson of Qamar Zaman, former world No 1 and British Open champion in 1975. His uncles Mansoor Zaman (former world No 11) and Shahid Zaman (former world No 14) additionally graced the world stage, and his father was an expert participant and coach. Now, Noor is writing his personal chapter.
After successful the U23 World Championship — bringing Pakistan the title on this class after a few years — Noor secured direct entry into the World Championship which lately concluded in Chicago. There, he defeated the world No 20 Abdullah Al-Tamimi of Qatar earlier than bowing out to the world No 7 Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad.
Constructing on that momentum, he lately certified for the primary draw of the British Open, defeating former world No 25 and Egypt’s Karim El-Torkey within the qualifiers — the identical opponent he beat within the U23 World Championship ultimate.
“Qualifying for the British Open is a huge moment for me,” stated Noor. “It’s the toughest squash tournament in the world, alongside the World Open. All the top players are here, and getting into the main draw after playing qualifiers makes it even more meaningful.”
This marks the primary time lately {that a} Pakistani has reached the British Open predominant draw by way of qualifiers. The final Pakistani within the match was Tayyab Aslam in 2022, who acquired direct entry.
Noor credit his success largely to the steering of his grandfather and coach, Qamar. “I started playing squash at seven, and honestly, I didn’t like it much in the beginning. It was hard work, a lot of running, and sacrifice,” Noor admitted. “But my grandfather was strict, and he worked tirelessly with me. My foundation, my discipline — everything I’ve built is because of him.”
Whereas Noor has nice admiration for legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, his favorite modern-era participant is Egypt’s Ali Farag, the previous world No 1 who lately introduced his retirement.
“Ali Farag has always been my inspiration. He had such elegance and intelligence in his game. It’s sad to see him retire, but he’ll always remain a benchmark for me,” stated Noor.
Past private effort and household assist, Noor factors to the essential backing from the Pakistan Air Drive (PAF), which at present oversees the issues of the Pakistan Squash Federation. He praised their function in rejuvenating squash within the nation.
“There was a time when Pakistani squash was declining due to lack of support. But now, thanks to the Pakistan Air Force, the situation is changing,” he stated. “Under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, the PAF is taking a direct and sincere interest in the sport. They’re providing players with better facilities, more exposure, and all kinds of support we need to succeed.”
Noor believes this institutional backing is vital to restoring Pakistan’s former glory in squash. “If this kind of support continues, Insha’Allah Pakistani players will once again be among the world’s best. The talent is there — we just need the opportunities.”
