Pakistan squash players reach Asian Games semifinals

Pakistan’s squash players Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Noor Zaman have advanced to the semifinals of the men’s singles competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Their victories guarantee Pakistan at least one medal in the individual squash event.

In the men’s quarterfinals, Muhammad Ashab Irfan secured a 3-1 comeback victory against India’s third-seeded Veer Chotrani. After losing the first game 6-11, Irfan won the subsequent three games 11-8, 11-3, and 11-3. Irfan is the first Pakistani player to reach the Asian Games squash semifinals since 2010. He is scheduled to face India’s Abhay Singh in the semifinals.

Noor Zaman also progressed to the final four after defeating Hong Kong’s Chi Hin Henry Leung 3-1. Zaman took the first two games 11-7 and 11-6 before Leung won the third 11-3; Zaman then closed the match with an 11-4 win in the fourth game.

In the mixed doubles event, Pakistan’s Muhammad Asim Khan and Mehwish Ali were eliminated following a 0-2 quarterfinal loss to Hong Kong’s Yee Lam Toby Tse and Cheuk Nam Lai.