Pakistan secure another 2026 Asian Games medal as Noor, Ashab reach squash semis

Pakistan secured another medal at the Asian Games on Friday as Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan reached the men’s singles semi-finals in squash at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.

Noor Zaman defeated Hong Kong’s Chi Hin Henry Leung, while Ashab Irfan overcame India’s fourth-seeded Veer Chotrani to book their places in the last four. Both Pakistani players had entered the quarter-finals as third and fifth seeds respectively.

Noor, the highest-ranked Pakistani in the draw, was tested by Leung but held his nerve to secure victory. Ashab recovered from losing the opening game against Chotrani to complete a 3-1 win, taking the match 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.

How did Ashab Irfan beat India’s Veer Chotrani?

Ashab fell behind after losing the opening game but responded strongly to take the next three. The fifth seed closed out the match 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 after dropping the first game 6-11.

The victory also came after Pakistan’s defeat to India in the men’s team final at the previous Asian Games, giving Ashab an opportunity to avenge that result in the individual event.

How has a squash medal been secured for Pakistan?

Noor and Ashab’s victories guarantee Pakistan at least a bronze medal in the men’s singles competition. The losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze, meaning Pakistan will leave the event with another medal regardless of the results in Saturday’s semi-finals.

The two players had also progressed from the last 16 without dropping a game on Thursday. Noor defeated Kuwait’s Ammar Altamimi 11-4, 11-9, 11-4, while Ashab beat Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Al Alnafsan 11-9, 11-3, 11-5.

When will Noor and Ashab play their semi-finals?

Ashab will face India’s Abhay Singh in the first semi-final on Saturday at 2:45 pm JST, which is 10:45 am Pakistan time. Noor is scheduled to play his semi-final at 4:15 pm JST, or 12:15 pm Pakistan time.

Noor’s opponent has yet to be confirmed. Both Pakistani players will now have a chance to reach Sunday’s final and compete for the men’s singles gold medal.

The squash competition is being held at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena, with Pakistan’s individual-event campaign beginning on September 23.