In a week where pressure could have overwhelmed the best of athletes, Pakistan’s rising squash star Noor Zaman has thrived, and now, the 21-year-old from Peshawar is just one step away from writing his name into the history books after reaching the final of the U23 World Squash Championship on home soil.
The stage is set at the DHA Creek Club in Karachi, where Zaman will contest the men’s final of the inaugural edition — the first world championship event to grace Pakistan in more than two decades.
Fittingly, it is a player deeply rooted in Pakistan’s rich squash heritage who has carried the nation’s hopes into the last day of the tournament.
After a flawless campaign, Noor Zaman didn’t need a full workout in the semi-final, with Malaysia’s Ameeshenraj Chandaran forced to retire in the third game due to illness after Zaman had powered into a commanding 2-0 lead (11-6, 11-2, 6-4 ret.). Zaman has been a dominant force all week. He breezed past France’s Melvil Scianimanico, Poland’s Jakub Pytlowany, and Kuwait’s Hussain Alzaatari, displaying a level of composure and physical fitness that has been the hallmark of his campaign.
Standing between Zaman and the U23 World Squash Championship title will be Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey, a dangerous opponent riding a wave of momentum after a dramatic semi-final upset of top seed Ibrahim Elkabbani. El Torkey recovered from a game down to win 3-1, capitalizing on both his aggressive play and the frustration of Elkabbani.
If Zaman is to lift the trophy in front of a passionate Karachi crowd, he’ll need to be at his very best against the in-form Egyptian.
As Karachi braces for the tournament’s conclusion today, all eyes will be on Noor Zaman. A title win would not only cement his place in Pakistan’s squash folklore but would also serve as a symbolic reminder of the country’s proud legacy in the sport — one that Zaman himself is determined to continue.
The men’s final is scheduled for 17:00 PKT, live on WorldSquash.TV and partner platforms.
U23 World Squash Championship 2025 — Final Fixtures
Men’s Final — April 10, 17:00 PKT
[2] Noor Zaman (Pakistan) vs [3/4] Kareem El Torkey (Egypt)
Women’s Final — April 10, 16:15 PKT
[1] Fayrouz Aboelkheir (Egypt) vs [3/4] Chan Sin Yuk (Hong Kong)
