Latest news with #Under-23WorldSquashChampionship
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.
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
The Heat is On! Karachi witnessed heat in more sense than one can think..
Karachi is experiencing a heat wave currently, but the city is experiencing heat in another sense, in the sense of the World Squash Championship, held at the prestigious DHA Creek Club. Players from all over the globe are here to win the coveted title. In the first-ever Under-23 World Squash Championship, it was heartening to witness the interactions between international players and the local youngsters. Pakistan has a rich history in the world of sports, especially Cricket, Hockey, and Squash, where Pakistan stood proudly as the undefeated champion in the world of squash, such as the unbeatable Jehangir Khan. A squash legend, Khan won 555 matches for Pakistan, and is deemed as the greatest sportsman of the millennia. Jehangir Khan is not the only one; squash legends like Jansher Khan, Qamar Zaman, Gogi Alauddin, and Maqsood Ahmed consistently made Pakistan proud in the global arena. However, Pakistan lost the crown, and squash took a backseat only to be remembered in conversations as people relived the glorious past in their drawing rooms. This era was a dark time for the lovers of the game. Now, one can safely say that the dark era has reached its end, and it is the beginning of a new dawn, as the first-ever Under-23 World Squash Championship kicked off, and Pakistan again witnessed girls and boys descend to the court to win the title for their respective countries. It is to be noted that Pakistan was also in the forefront of the women's game; three girls participated in the tough matches, played against the world's strongest. This is a ray of hope that Pakistan needed. Sports bring with them an electrifying energy, which is contagious. Seeing the sportsmen and sportswomen in action, one feels the burdens of life melt away as their focus is on the match. This adds to the beauty of any sport, and it teaches us to focus on things that truly matter to us. During the week, this is what DHA Creek Club witnessed — an unwavering determination to win. Pakistan as a country is known for its hospitality, and at the venue it was evident, as the foreign players and their coaches praised the food and the hospitality. They were treated to different cuisines, and they loved the culinary delights. 'I love the food here, it is a bit spicy, but the flavours are great. I love the hospitality of the people here,' said a player from Egypt. South African, Malaysian, and Czech Republic players echoed the same sentiment. 'The food is great, and the hospitality of the people and the weather is lovely here. As we have cold weather, it's great to be in the sun,' said Tamara from Czech Republic. The courts and the overall environment were greatly appreciated by the foreigners as well. 'The courts are great, it's easy to play here, and I love the environment. Everyone is treating us so well, it's like a family atmosphere here. I would visit Pakistan again for sure,' said Noa Romero from Spain. CEO, World Squash Federation, William Louis-Marie, was very happy at the mega event, saying, 'It's great to be here and Pakistan, known for its hospitality, has lived up to its name. The courts here are world-class.' DHA Karachi has taken the lead to provide a safe and secure environment for the foreign delegates. This mega event is hopefully the first of many to come in the future. The successful hosting of the Under-23 World Squash Championship signifies that Pakistan is a sports-loving, peaceful country to host international sports events for the future as well. Written By: Beena Khan The writer is a Karachi-based journalist. The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
U-23 World Squash begins in Karachi today
Pakistan is all set to host the first-ever Under-23 World Squash Championship which starts from today (Sunday) April 6-10 at DHA Creek Club Squash Stadium. Players from 32 countries will be participating in what will be the first major squash event in Pakistan after decades. This is the first time the world governing body is organising a World Championship in this age group. Since squash has been included in the 2028 Summer Olympics, this World event will allow top players to participate in the Olympic Games. Last week, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, on behalf of the Sindh government, handed over a cheque for Rs30 million to Adnan Asad, an official of Sindh Squash Champion, in support of the upcoming Under-23 World Squash Championship. Speaking at a press conference alongside Sports Secretary, Abdul Aleem Lashari and Adnan Asad, Sharjeel reaffirmed the Sindh government's commitment to promoting sports and enhancing Pakistan's global image through such initiatives. Pakistan has a glorious history in squash, with legends like Jahangir Khan, Hashim Khan, and Jansher Khan, and most recently, Hamza Khan, who won the World Junior Squash Championship in 2023. Pakistan has hosted a number of international tournaments and has many professional training centers around the country. Pakistan reached its peak in the 1980s and 1990s during the reigns of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. Both players won many laurels for the country. Jansher won the World Open eight times and the British Open six times. He was ranked number 1 in the world for six years. Jahangir Khan is easily the greatest professional squash player of all time with an unofficial record of having 555-game winning streak. Between 1950 and 1997, Pakistan amassed over 30 British Open titles, 14 World Open titles and many more titles.
Express Tribune
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
U-23 Squash C'ship: Pakistan hosts major squash event in decades
Listen to article Pakistan is all set to host the first-ever Under-23 World Squash Championship which starts from tomorrow (Sunday) April 6-10 at DHA Creek Club Squash Stadium. 32 countries will be participating in what will be the first major squash event in Pakistan after decades. This is the first time the world governing body is organising a World Championship in this age group. Since squash has been included in the 2028 Summer Olympics, this World event will allow top players to participate in the Olympic Games. Pakistan has a glorious history in squash, with legends like Jahangir Khan, Hashim Khan, and Jansher Khan, and most recently, Hamza Khan, who won the World Junior Squash Championship in 2023. Pakistan has hosted a number of international tournaments and has many professional training centers around the country. Pakistan reached its peak in the 1980s and 1990s during the reigns of Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. Both players won many laurels for the country. Jansher won the World Open eight times and the British Open six times. He was ranked number 1 in the world for six years. Jahangir Khan is easily the greatest professional squash player of all time with an unofficial record of having 555-game winning streak. Between 1950 and 1997, Pakistan amassed over 30 British Open titles, 14 World Open titles and many more titles. Last week, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, on behalf of the Sindh government, handed over a cheque for Rs30 million to Adnan Asad, an official of Sindh Squash Champion, in support of the upcoming Under-23 World Squash Championship. Speaking at a press conference alongside Sports Secretary, Abdul Aleem Lashari and Adnan Asad, Sharjeel reaffirmed the Sindh government's commitment to promoting sports and enhancing Pakistan's global image through such initiatives.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Rs30m allocated for under-23 Squash C'ship
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, on behalf of the Sindh government, handed over a cheque for Rs30 million to Adnan Asad, an official of Sindh Squash Champion, in support of the upcoming Under-23 World Squash Championship. Speaking at a press conference alongside Sports Secretary, Abdul Aleem Lashari and Adnan Asad, Sharjeel reaffirmed the Sindh government's commitment to promoting sports and enhancing Pakistan's global image through such initiatives. He stressed that the championship, set to be held in Karachi, will attract players from 35 countries, including female athletes from 22 nations, and will be broadcast live in 80 countries. "The organisation of this championship will not only foster the development of squash in Pakistan but will also showcase the country's positive and welcoming environment to the world," Sharjeel stated. He added that the Sindh government remains dedicated to supporting sports and sports tourism, ensuring that this event meets international standards. Sharjeel also highlighted the recent launch of a digital employment portal initiated by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.
