Noor Zaman crowned champion at NASH Cup 2025 in Canada | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

The U23 World Champion Noor Zaman claimed the squash NASH Cup 2025 title as he edged Egypt’s Moustafa Elsirty 3-0 in win the final held in London, Canada on September 27.

The Pakistani squash sensation was seeded fifth in the tournament.

Noor took the first game 19-17, which was closely fought between the two, and dominated in the second game as well, 11-7.

He sealed the win in the third, 11-9, to wrapped up the final agians tht esecond seeded opponent in 52 minutes.

Noor’s journey to the finals was impressive, as he outplayed Colombia’s Matias Knudsen11-3, 12-10, 11-3 in the semifinals.

Earlier, he edged Ronald Palomino 11-4, 10-12, 11-7, 11-7 in the quarterfinal and defeated Jeremias Azaña 11-6, 12-14, 12-10, 11-7 in the opening match.

Noor is currently ranked at 62 in the world.

The copper-tier tournament was offering $31,250 in prize money.

Hailing from Peshawar and representing the third generation of Pakistan’s illustrious squash family, this was Noor’s third title of the year, previously bagging the trophies at the inaugural World Squash Federation U23 World Championship in April and Liverpool Cricket Club Open in March.

Read: Noor Zaman makes history with WSF World U23 Squash Championship victory

Another spirited Pakistani player Muhammad Ashab Irfan also reached the semi-finals of the tournament, however, he lost to Elsirty 11-5, 11-3, 5-11, 11-2 in the well-fought last-four fixture.

The Director General Pakistan Sports Board, Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Noor on the win at NASH Cup 2025.

“Noor Zaman’s outstanding performance is a source of pride for the entire country. His dedication, hard work and determination reflect the bright future of squash in Pakistan. We are confident that with continued support and encouragement, he will follow in the footsteps of our great squash legends and further raise Pakistan’s flag high at international forums,” Pirzada said.

Noor is the grandson of squash legend and former British Open champion Qamar Zaman, and his victory marks another milestone in carrying forward the family’s rich legacy.

The Pakistan Squash Federation hailed the achievement, “Huge congratulations to Noor Zaman on this remarkable achievement!”

The federation added that Noor’s triumph has renewed hopes of Pakistan reclaiming its once unrivaled dominance in world squash.