Pakistan’s rising squash star Noor Zaman has etched his name into history by winning the 2025 U-23 World Squash Championship, defeating Egypt's Kareem El Torkey in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory.
The final, held at the prestigious DHA Creek Club in Karachi, was a display of resilience, determination, and skill from the 21-year-old from Peshawar, who overcame a challenging start to secure the coveted title.
The match was an intense battle, with Zaman initially struggling as El Torkey took an early 2-1 lead. The Egyptian displayed his aggressive playing style, clinching the second and third games 9-11 and 4-11, respectively. However, Zaman, known for his composure under pressure, refused to back down. The Pakistani ace regained control in the fourth game, narrowly winning 11-9, and then delivered a dominant 11-7 victory in the deciding fifth game.
Zaman's win was a testament to his mental toughness and adaptability. Despite being on the back foot, he exhibited incredible resilience to bounce back, ultimately clinching the title in front of a passionate home crowd. The final scoreline of 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, and 11-7 was a reflection of the intense contest, which kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The tournament has been a remarkable journey for Zaman, who has impressed with his physical fitness, technical prowess, and ability to perform under pressure. Throughout the week, he has been in top form, powering through his earlier matches with relative ease. Zaman’s campaign in the tournament saw him defeat top players, including France’s Melvil Scianimanico, Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany, and Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari, to reach the final.
El Torkey, for his part, also put up a strong fight. The Egyptian had earlier upset top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani in the semi-final, which further heightened expectations for a thrilling final showdown. However, despite El Torkey's early dominance, Zaman’s ability to adjust his game and come through in the clutch moments proved decisive.
Zaman’s victory marks a historic moment for Pakistan's squash legacy, as he becomes the first Pakistani to win the U-23 World Squash Championship. This achievement not only cements his place as one of the brightest young talents in the sport but also brings a sense of pride to Pakistan, where squash has long been a source of national pride.
Speaking after the match, Zaman dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan, especially to the passionate fans who supported him throughout the tournament. "This win is for Pakistan. The support I have received has been overwhelming, and it pushed me to give my best on the court. I’m proud to carry forward the rich legacy of squash in Pakistan," Zaman said.
The win is also a symbolic reminder of Pakistan’s deep-rooted history in squash, once dominated by legends such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan. Noor Zaman’s victory signals the resurgence of Pakistan’s squash dominance, offering hope for a new generation of players to follow in his footsteps.
As Zaman holds the U-23 World Squash Championship trophy aloft, his victory not only secures his place in history but also inspires a new wave of squash players in Pakistan, reaffirming the nation's status as a powerhouse in the sport.
Final Score: Noor Zaman (Pakistan) 11-6, 9-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-7 Kareem El Torkey (Egypt)
Noor Zaman’s triumph is expected to be celebrated as one of the standout sporting achievements in Pakistan this year, and his future in the sport looks incredibly promising.
