Maria Imran 
the historic u23 squash victory of noor zaman
Noor Zaman Wins World U23 Squash Title for Pakistan
As a young spark in squash, Noor Zaman made Pakistan proud by clinching the 1st WSF World U23 Championship at Karachi. On Thursday, Noor Zaman completed one of the greatest ever comebacks by outclassing his opponent from Egypt, Kareem El Torkey, in a thrilling final, clinching the victory by 3-2 after coming back from two sets down.
The pressure was mounting on Zaman after losing the first two sets, but he kept his calm. “I just told myself to focus on my game,” he stated after the match. “I was determined to fight till the very end.”
20-year-old Zaman had barged into the final when he defeated Ameeshenraj Chandaran of Malaysia in the semifinals on Wednesday at the DHA Creek Club. The second semifinal ended prematurely after Zaman led 2-0; Chandaran, unable to continue, retired.
A Moment of National Pride
- Then came the celebrations across the country as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari congratulated Zaman for his achievement.
- The Prime Minister recognized Zaman’s win as a moment of global recognition for Pakistan. “Noor Zaman has made the nation proud. His performance is a sign that Pakistan will soon reclaim its glory in squash,” he stated.
- President Zardari appreciated Zaman’s effort in the final, labeling it “outstanding,” and asserted that his victory was a proud moment for the country.
- With this championship win, Noor Zaman joins the ranks of Pakistan’s legendary squash heroes, thus giving fresh hope for the future of squash in Pakistan.
