Noor Zaman Keeps Pakistan’s Hopes Alive at the U23 World Squash Championships

Pakistan’s hopes of securing a medal during the ongoing U23 World Squash Championships at home now rest on the shoulders of rising squash star Noor Zaman, who has reached the semi-finals of the tournament.

Under the bright lights of the glass court at Karachi’s Creek Club, Noor, 21, put on a composed display against France’s Melvil Scianimanico — a highly-rated youngster who had reached the last four at both the European Junior Championship and last year’s World Junior Championship.

Noor, the tournament’s second seed, barely put a foot wrong in the opening game, taking it 11-7. The Frenchman threatened a fightback in the second, but the cool-headed Noor edged it 11-9 to take full control. The rattled Scianimanico couldn’t find a way back as Noor sealed the third game 11-8 to secure his place in the last four — much to the delight of a supportive home crowd.

Noor Zaman’s next test will come against Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran, the joint third seed, with a place in the U23 World Squash Championships final on the line. The winner will have a date with either the number one seed, Egyptian Ibrahim Elkabbani, or his countryman Kareem El Torkey, the other joint third seed.

Chandaran has booked his semi-final ticket after ending Pakistan’s Hamza Khan’s campaign in a tense four-game battle. The Malaysian took the first two games 11-7 and 11-9, but Hamza, roared on by a packed crowd of a few hundred fans, clawed a game back with an 11-7 win. However, the comeback was short-lived as Chandaran kept his composure to take the fourth game 11-6. A visibly frustrated Hamza exited the court, hurling his racquet to the floor — his dreams of a podium finish dashed.

As the tournament reaches its business end, Noor Zaman stands as Pakistan’s last hope of glory — with a nation watching closely.