Pakistan Squash star Nasir Iqbal after profitable the Asian Particular person Squash Championship quarterfinals towards Hong Kong’s Lai Cheuk Nam on June 18, 2025. — Pakistan Squash Federation
KARACHI: Pakistan workforce gained and misplaced within the Asian Squash Championship as Nasir Iqbal superior to the quarterfinals of the Asian Squash Championship whereas his compatriot Noor Zaman exited the event.
Iqbal earned victory by defeating Hong Kong’s Lai Cheuk Nam within the spherical of 16.
He delivered a composed and aggressive efficiency to beat Lai in 4 video games. He began robust with an 11-7 win within the first sport however faltered within the second, shedding 2-11.
Demonstrating resilience, Iqbal bounced again to say the following two video games 11-5 and 11-8, securing a 3-1 victory. His capability to get well after the second-game setback proved essential in clinching the match.
He’ll now face Hong Kong’s Henry Leung in what guarantees to be a difficult quarterfinal encounter.
In distinction, Noor Zaman, the reigning World Beneath-23 champion, was eradicated in a five-game thriller towards Malaysia’s Joachim Chuah.
Battling a again spasm, Zaman misplaced the primary two video games 3-11, 3-11. He rallied impressively to win the third sport 11-3 and edged the fourth 12-10, forcing a decider.
Nonetheless, Chuah regained management within the last sport, dominating 11-2 to seal the match and finish Zaman’s run.
The Asian Particular person Squash Championship, which options prime expertise from throughout the continent, continues with quarterfinal motion on Thursday.
Nasir Iqbal stays Pakistan’s sole hope within the event, carrying the nation’s expectations into the ultimate phases.
Pakistan has been drawn in Group B, alongside the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. The highest two groups from every group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
