Asian Squash Champions Rewarded With Rs1m Each
Pakistan’s Asian squash champions rewarded with Rs1 million each on Wednesday. The men’s team won the continental title at home in Islamabad.
Noor Zaman, Muhammad Asim Khan, Nasir Iqbal and Ashab Irfan received the cash awards at a ceremony in Islamabad. The total prize money amounted to Rs4 million, The Express Tribune reported.
Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah Khan distributed the awards. He is also president of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). The awards recognised the team’s triumph at the 23rd Asian Team Squash Championships.
Asian squash champions rewarded in Islamabad
Pakistan secured the men’s team gold medal with a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the final. The match was played at the Mushaf Squash Complex, where the championships ran from November 3 to 7.
Noor Zaman defeated Jeongmin Ryu 11-5, 11-7, 13-11 in the opening tie. Muhammad Asim Khan then beat Seojin Oh 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 to seal the championship. Pakistan won the title without dropping a tie in the final.
Sanaullah congratulated the players, coaches and team management, describing the achievement as a matter of national pride. He praised their dedication, discipline and determination in bringing the Asian title to Pakistan.
He said the government’s recognition of outstanding athletes reflected its commitment to promoting sports and supporting national talent.
Also at the ceremony were IPC Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, PSB director general Yawar Hussain and Pakistan Squash Federation secretary general Group Captain (retired) Amir Nawaz.
Wani congratulated the players. He said their achievement demonstrated Pakistan’s sporting potential and would encourage younger generations to pursue excellence in sports. Yawar also praised the team’s performance. He hoped the victory would provide fresh impetus to squash development in the country.
In the women’s competition, Hong Kong China defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the gold medal, with Malaysia taking silver. South Korea finished with silver in the men’s event.
A home title with history behind it
The win matters beyond the prize money. Pakistan hosted the championships. The men’s team delivered the title in front of a home crowd at the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.
Pakistan has a proud squash history. Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan ruled the world game through the 1980s and 1990s. The sport still carries a special place in the country’s sporting memory. A continental team title at home, won by a young squad, gives the Pakistan Squash Federation a result to build on.
The challenge now is to turn a team title into a pipeline. The PSB chief hopes the victory will give fresh impetus to squash development. The real test is what follows: coaching, courts and competition for the next group of players coming through.
Pakistan’s other teams are also in the hunt this month. Pakistan have reached the semi-final of the SAFF Championship. In cricket, Abrar Ahmed has moved into the top three of the ICC ODI rankings and Rahmat Shah has entered the top ten of the ICC Test rankings. The second Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi is also under way. The PCB has announced ticket prices for the match.
Frequently asked questions
How much did each squash player receive?
Each of the four players, Noor Zaman, Muhammad Asim Khan, Nasir Iqbal and Ashab Irfan, received Rs1 million, taking the total prize money to Rs4 million.
Who gave away the awards?
Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and Pakistan Sports Board president Rana Sanaullah Khan distributed the awards at a ceremony in Islamabad.
What did Pakistan win?
Pakistan won the men’s team gold medal at the 23rd Asian Team Squash Championships, beating South Korea 2-0 in the final at the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.
What were the scores in the final?
Noor Zaman beat Jeongmin Ryu 11-5, 11-7, 13-11, and Muhammad Asim Khan beat Seojin Oh 11-6, 11-5, 11-4.
Who won the women’s title?
Hong Kong China defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the women’s gold medal, with Malaysia taking silver.
