Pakistan to host U23 World Squash Championship with sights on LA Olympics

The inaugural U23 World Squash Championship in Karachi, which begins on Sunday, presents a timely opportunity for Pakistan to kick-start its preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

By hosting and competing in this prestigious event, Pakistan's young squash players will gain invaluable experience and exposure, which will be crucial in their development and quest to qualify for the Olympics. Squash will make its Olympic debut in LA.

For squash enthusiasts globally, Pakistan is a familiar name in the sport, thanks largely to the unparalleled success of iconic legends Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan.

Jahangir, a six-time world champion and World Squash Emeritus President, is widely regarded as the greatest male squash player of all time.

However, since the glory days of the Khan era, Pakistani squash has struggled to replicate such dominance, with a notable drought in senior world champions since Jansher's eight title win in 1996.

Second seed Noor Zaman said that the tournament will provide the players with the opportunity to compete with some of the talented players in the world which will be beneficial in terms of preparing for the Olympics.

“I’ve also gained more experience playing against top international players, which has helped me to understand the level of competition and identify areas where I need to improve. I feel I’ve become a more complete player,” said Noor.

“The inclusion of squash in the LA28 Olympics is a massive opportunity for our sport. It’s a dream for any athlete to compete in the Olympics, and I’m definitely targeting a place on the Pakistani team.

“Winning an Olympic medal would be an incredible achievement and a moment of immense pride for my country.”

Pakistan Squash Federation Secretary Air Commodore (retd) Aamir Nawaz said that the “U23 Squash Championship is a great opportunity for our [Pakistani] players to improve their rankings”.

“National players are participating in many tournaments in the international circuit and excellent preparations are being made for the Olympic qualification. Pakistan has to participate in several international competitions this year as well,” he added.

Meanwhile, tournament Director and President of Sindh Squash Association Adnan Asad said that the hosting of the Under-23 World Squash Championship has been achieved after a long struggle.

“Organizing this event will help bring back the golden era of squash in Pakistan. After this event, Pakistan is also looking to host a $200,000 event next year,” Asad said.

Anticipation is building in Pakistan as the country gears up to host the U23 World Squash Championship, and recent triumphs by Pakistani players have only added to the excitement. Notable wins by Hamza Khan at the 2023 World Junior Championships, Asim Khan at the 2024 Charlottesville Open, and Noor Zaman at the 2025 Liverpool Cricket Club Open, indicate a promising resurgence in Pakistani squash, sparking hopes of a brighter future for the sport in the country.

The President of the World Squash Federation, Zena Wooldridge, and other top officials will also visit Pakistan during the championship.

On Thursday, before the event, international referees also visited the Asif Nawaz Squash Complex, the same place where Pakistan's Jansher Khan won the World Open Squash title in 1996.

The event will see players from 24 countries including Egypt, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, France, Switzerland and Iran will be seen in action. Thirty-two draws have been made in the event for men's and women's teams for a prize money of $60,000. The finals of the championship will be played on April 10. The winners will also get a spot in the PSA World Championships.