Latest news with #PakistanSquashFederation
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's Ashab Irfan wins St. Louis Open 2025 squash championship
Pakistan's emerging squash talent Ashab Irfan claimed his first major international title at the St. Louis Open 2025, defeating England's Charlie Lee in straight sets in the final of the RC Pro Series event held in Missouri. Irfan, 20, delivered a dominant performance to secure a 3-0 victory in just 37 minutes, with set scores of 11-7, 11-2, and 11-7. Ranked 66th in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Rankings prior to the tournament, Irfan showcased exceptional precision, agility and control, leaving Lee unable to mount a challenge throughout the match. The $15,000 PSA event drew participation from more than 30 players and marked a significant milestone in Irfan's young career. 'This victory is a testament to Ashab's relentless hard work, passion, and resilience,' said coach Irfan Jahanzeb Masood following the match. 'We give thanks to Allah for this blessing. It's not just a personal milestone — it's a sign of a bright future for Pakistani squash.' Masood confirmed that the win is expected to push Irfan into the PSA top 60, projecting a move from 66th to 57th in the rankings. The improvement could enable Irfan to qualify for higher-tier international competitions and solidify his status among the sport's rising stars. 'We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering encouragement from Ashab's family and fans,' Masood added. 'Their belief in his potential has been a constant source of motivation throughout this journey.' The win has also been hailed by the Pakistan Squash Federation as a major boost for the country's prospects on the global squash circuit, with officials calling it a moment of pride for Pakistani sport.
Express Tribune
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan's Noor Zaman wins U23 World Squash Championship at DHA Creek Club
Noor Zaman of Pakistan won the Under-23 World Squash Championship, defeating Egypt's Karim El Turky 3-2 in a hard-fought final at Karachi's DA Creek Club. Pakistan's Noor Zaman secured the Under-23 World Squash Championship title after a 3-2 victory over Egypt's Karim El Turky in the men's final, held at the DA Creek Club in Karachi. Zaman, who credited his success to hard work and divine favour, brought home the gold medal following a tense and closely contested match. In the women's event, top-seeded Fairooz Aboulkheir of Egypt emerged victorious after a straight-set win against Hong Kong's fourth seed, Chan Sin Yuk, clinching the title with a 3-0 result. Both champions received a gold medal, the winners' trophy, and a prize of $5,250 each. The runners-up were awarded silver medals and $3,450 apiece. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Zaman for his win, praising him for raising Pakistan's profile in international sport. 'The entire nation is proud. God willing, Pakistan will reclaim its lost glory in squash,' he stated. Delighted to see our homegrown talent, Noor Zaman, storm into the men's final of the Under-23 World Squash Championships with an astounding 3-0 victory 🏆 Also, great performance by Muhammad Ammad and Amna Fayyaz in the plate events! #PrideOfPakistan #FutureChampions — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 10, 2025 President Asif Ali Zardari also extended congratulations, lauding Zaman for his performance throughout the tournament and expressing hope for his continued success in the future. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah attended the closing ceremony as the president's representative and hailed the event as a milestone in squash history. 'Hosting the inaugural U23 World Squash Championship is an honour for Pakistan,' Shah said. He emphasised squash's historic value in Pakistan and reiterated the government's commitment to nurturing young talent and restoring the country's legacy in the sport. Shah also acknowledged the efforts of the Pakistan Squash Federation, Sindh government, DHA, and the Pakistan Air Force in promoting squash. The championship marked a significant moment in Pakistan's squash revival, with local authorities and the World Squash Federation expressing optimism about the sport's future in the region.
