Noor Zaman and Egypt’s Fayrouz Abouelkheir celebrate after winning the men’s and women’s title at the U23 World Squash Championship in Karachi on Thursday. — Photo courtesy- Anushe Engineer
It was a night of electric energy, thundering applause, and unforgettable squash at the DA Creek Club in Karachi, where Pakistan’s rising star Noor Zaman delivered a breathtaking performance to win the U23 World Squash Championship in front of a full house. The 21-year-old, with nerves of steel and the heart of a champion, staged the comeback of the tournament to defeat Egypt’s formidable Karim El Torkey in a dramatic five-game final:
5-11, 12-14, 11-8, 11-5, 11-6.
The championship, boasting a $60,000 prize pool, drew top-tier talent from across the globe, but it was Noor — Pakistan’s pride and a torchbearer of the country’s glorious squash legacy — who walked away with the crown.
The final began with anticipation humming through the crowd, which included not just fans but also foreign dignitaries and legends of the game, including Jahangir Khan, Gogi Alauddin, and Qamar Zaman — Noor’s grandfather and lifelong mentor. Their presence added weight to the occasion, a powerful reminder of the family dynasty Noor represents.
A member of the most iconic squash family in Pakistan, Noor Zaman carries a legacy steeped in brilliance. His grandfather Qamar Zaman, a former British Open Champion and one of the greatest players of the 1970s and ’80s, guided Noor from an early age. Raised in Peshawar, Noor began playing squash in his early teens, steadily climbing the junior ranks with quiet determination and explosive talent. His rise has been steady, with standout performances in PSA events, national championships, and multiple junior international medals under his belt.
But none compare to what he achieved on this historic night.
The final didn’t start in Noor’s favor. Karim El Torkey, quick and clinical, pounced on every opportunity to dominate the early exchanges. He claimed the first game 11-5 with aggressive drives and tight lengths. In the second, Noor pushed back, but the Egyptian edged him in a nerve-wracking tiebreak, 14-12, going 2-0 up and putting himself within touching distance of the title.
It was at this moment that champions are either broken or born.
From the third game on, Noor transformed. Backed by the deafening cheers of the Karachi crowd, he began a spirited fightback, showing composure beyond his years. His movement became sharper, his shots more precise. He won the third 11-8, regaining belief. In the fourth, he overwhelmed Karim with masterful deception and perfectly weighted drops, claiming it 11-5.
The fifth and final game was pure theatre. Noor, now in full command, raced ahead with confidence and flair. His court coverage, stamina, and intelligent shot selection left Karim scrambling. With a powerful backhand kill that ended the final point, Noor sealed the game 11-6, and with it, the U23 World Championship title.
As the crowd erupted and the Pakistani flag was draped over his shoulders, Noor embraced his grandfather Qamar Zaman — a poignant moment of legacy, love, and fulfillment.
This victory is not just a personal triumph; it is a symbol of revival for Pakistani squash, a sport once dominated by the country through giants like Jahangir and Jansher Khan. Noor’s win, on home soil, against top international competition, signals the return of Pakistan as a serious contender on the world squash stage.
With this crown, Noor Zaman has written his name in bold letters in the annals of squash. His comeback, character, and class on court will be remembered for years — a performance that not only won a championship, but won hearts across the world.
On the women’s side, Egypt’s Fayrouz Abouelkheir delivered a commanding performance to claim the women’s title. Facing off against Hong Kong’s Chan Sin Yuk, Fayrouz wrapped up the final in just 31 minutes, winning in straight games and showing the same dominance that Egypt’s women’s squash is globally known for.
Fayrouz controlled the pace from start to finish, using precise drops and tight lengths to dismantle her opponent’s rhythm. With a blend of finesse and firepower, she underlined Egypt’s continued stranglehold on world squash, adding yet another title to her fast-growing résumé.
This victory is not just a personal triumph for Fayrouz but a continuation of Egypt’s powerful presence in both men’s and women’s squash — a benchmark that the rest of the world, including rising stars like Noor Zaman, now aspire to challenge.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
