Pakistan’s squash star Noor Zaman won a bronze medal at the Asian Games 2026. He finished third in the men’s singles event in Nagoya, Japan, after beating his teammate Mohammad Ashab Irfan in a one-sided all-Pakistan playoff. Here is what happened, how the medals were decided, and what comes next for the Pakistan squash team.
Noor Zaman Beats Ashab Irfan in the Third-Place Match
The match took place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Noor Zaman won 3-0 in just 26 minutes. The game scores were:
- First game: 11-7 (8 minutes)
- Second game: 11-7 (6 minutes)
- Third game: 13-11
Noor took control from the start and kept the rallies under his control. Ashab Irfan fought back in the third game and pushed it to a tight finish. However, Noor stayed calm and closed it out 13-11.
How Did Pakistan Win Two Bronze Medals?
In Asian Games squash, both players who lose in the semi-finals receive a bronze medal. Noor Zaman and Ashab Irfan both lost their semi-finals on Saturday. Because of this, each of them had already won a bronze medal for Pakistan before the playoff began.
The third-place match only decided who would finish third on the final table. Noor won it. Both players received their bronze medals at the official victory ceremony in Nagoya.
How Did the Semi-Finals Go?
- Noor Zaman lost 3-0 (12-10, 11-4, 11-4) to Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng, the defending champion.
- Ashab Irfan reached the semi-finals by beating India’s Veer Chotrani. He then lost 3-0 to India’s Abhay Singh.
Who Is Noor Zaman?
Noor Zaman is a 22-year-old squash player from Peshawar. He is one of Pakistan’s top young players. Here are some of his best results:
- Won the Asian Junior Championship (singles) in 2022
- Won a silver medal with the Pakistan men’s team at the 2022 Asian Games
- Won the U23 World Championship (singles) in Karachi in 2025
- Won silver in doubles at the Asian Championships in 2025 and 2026
His highest world ranking so far is 27, and he has won several PSA Tour titles. This new Asian Games bronze is his first individual medal at the event.
What Is Next for Pakistan Squash?
The team events at the Asian Games started on Monday, September 28. Both Pakistan teams are in Pool B.
| Team | Seed | Opening Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Men | 2nd | Philippines (12:00 pm), Kuwait (5:30 pm) |
| Pakistan Women | 9th | Hong Kong, China (10:00 am), Mongolia (3:30 pm) |
All times are Japan local time. Noor Zaman is expected to be a key player as Pakistan’s men’s team goes for another medal after their silver in 2022.
Why This Medal Matters
Pakistan was once a giant of world squash, but the country has waited a long time for big results. This medal shows that a new generation of players is coming through. Two Pakistani players on the same podium is a good sign for the future of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which medal did Noor Zaman win at the Asian Games 2026?
Noor Zaman won a bronze medal in the men’s singles squash event.
Who did Noor Zaman beat in the third-place match?
He beat his Pakistani teammate Mohammad Ashab Irfan 3-0 (11-7, 11-7, 13-11).
Where are the Asian Games 2026 being held?
The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The squash matches are at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.
How many medals did Pakistan win in squash singles?
Pakistan won two bronze medals in men’s singles, one for Noor Zaman and one for Ashab Irfan.
When do the squash team events start?
The team events began on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Noor Zaman’s bronze is a proud moment for Pakistan squash. All eyes are now on the team events, where Pakistan hopes to add more medals. We will update this article with the latest results.
