Pakistan poised for proud revival of squash
By MNS
AFTER decades of decline following a golden era in the 1990s, Pakistani squash is witnessing signs of resurgence, with a new generation of players making their mark on the world stage
THE SPORTS SCENE
July 3, 2025
IN 1994, Pakistan stood proudly at the pinnacle of the sporting world, simultaneously holding world titles in cricket, hockey, squash, and snooker — a rare achievement matched by only a few nations. It was a time of immense national pride, with Pakistan showcasing its sporting excellence across multiple disciplines.
Among these, squash was particularly emblematic of Pakistan’s dominance. For at least 10 consecutive years, Pakistani players reigned supreme at the British Open, and the country also claimed World Open titles for six years. However, this golden chapter eventually faded, and Pakistan’s prominence on the global squash stage gradually diminished. A drought in international titles followed, signalling a prolonged period of regression — especially in a sport where Pakistan had once been untouchable.
Yet, recent developments suggest a welcome shift in momentum. Encouraging performances from young athletes indicate a promising revival. In April, Noor Zaman — grandson of legendary squash player Qamar Zaman — clinched the Men’s Under-23 World Championship title in Karachi. The 21-year-old triumphed over Egypt’s Karim El Torkey in a final that featured two unbeaten contenders.
Further signs of resurgence emerged on 3rd July, when five Pakistani players advanced to the semi-finals of the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships in Gimcheon, South Korea. All five secured their spots with dominant 3–0 victories, according to a report in Dawn.
In the Boys’ Under-19 category, third seed Abdullah Nawaz beat Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Kuen convincingly, while Nauman Khan and Ahmad Rayyan Khan triumphed in their respective Under-15 matches. Muhammad Sohail Adnan, top seed in the Boys’ Under-13, breezed past India’s Abhyuday Arora. On the girls’ side, Mahnoor Ali progressed to the semi-finals by defeating India’s Anika Kalanki in straight sets.
Although one young Pakistani, Sehrish Ali, exited in the Girls’ Under-15 quarter-finals, the overall results suggest a strong foundation for future success. With continued support from the Pakistan Squash Federation and guidance from legends like Qamar Zaman’s family, the path to reclaiming international squash glory may well be within reach.