Pakistan’s emerging squash sensation, Noor Zaman, carved his name into the sport’s history books by winning the 2025 U-23 World Squash Championship. In an electrifying final, he triumphed over Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey with a thrilling 3-2 comeback.
The grand finale, hosted at the renowned DHA Creek Club in Karachi, showcased Zaman’s grit, determination, and exceptional skill. The 21-year-old from Peshawar turned the match around after a rocky start, ultimately seizing the prestigious title.
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The clash was a nail-biting affair. After taking the opening game 11-6, Zaman struggled as El Torkey’s aggressive style earned him the next two games 9-11 and 4-11. Despite falling behind 2-1, Zaman held his nerve. Demonstrating remarkable poise under pressure, he edged the fourth game 11-9 before sealing the victory with a commanding 11-7 in the decider.
Zaman’s performance was a masterclass in mental fortitude and adaptability. Even when trailing, he remained focused and resilient, feeding off the energy of the passionate home crowd to pull off an inspiring comeback. The final scoreline—11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-7—captured the fierce competitiveness of the match.
Zaman’s journey through the tournament has been nothing short of outstanding. He showcased superb physical endurance, tactical brilliance, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. His road to the final included impressive victories over top international players such as France’s Melvil Scianimanico, Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany, and Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari.
Kareem El Torkey also had a strong tournament, notably defeating the top seed, Ibrahim Elkabbani, in the semi-finals, setting the stage for a much-anticipated final. Although El Torkey started strong, Zaman’s tactical adjustments and mental edge proved pivotal in shifting the momentum.
With this victory, Noor Zaman becomes the first Pakistani ever to claim the U-23 World Squash Championship title. The win not only highlights his rising status in international squash but also rekindles Pakistan’s proud squash heritage.
Following his win, Zaman expressed gratitude to his supporters and dedicated the victory to his country. “This is for Pakistan. The love and encouragement I’ve received from the fans have been incredible. They motivated me to fight until the very end. I’m honored to contribute to our squash legacy,” he said.
Zaman’s achievement evokes memories of Pakistan’s golden squash era, once ruled by legends like Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. His victory signals a potential revival of that legacy, offering hope for a new generation of Pakistani squash players.
As Noor Zaman lifted the U-23 World Squash Championship trophy, he not only celebrated a personal milestone but also ignited national pride and passion for squash. His win will likely be remembered as one of Pakistan’s most remarkable sports accomplishments of the year—and possibly, the spark of a new era in Pakistani squash.
