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

Pakistan secured another medal at the Asian Games on Friday after Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan won their respective singles matches to reach the semi-finals of the squash competition.

Third-seeded Noor defeated Hong Kong’s Chi Hin Henry Leung, while fifth-seeded Ashab overcame India’s Veer Chotrani at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena to put Pakistan into the medal rounds of the event.

Noor, Pakistan’s top-ranked player in the draw, was pushed by Leung but held his nerve to secure a place in the last four. Ashab also produced a strong performance against the fourth-seeded Indian, recovering from losing the opening game to win 3-1.

Ashab prevailed 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 to avenge Pakistan’s defeat to India in the men’s team final at the previous Asian Games.

The victories mean Pakistan are assured of at least a bronze medal in the men’s singles competition, with the losing semi-finalists awarded bronze.

The two Pakistanis had reached the quarter-finals without dropping a game, with Noor defeating Kuwait’s Ammar Altamimi 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 and Ashab overcoming Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Al Alnafsan 11-9, 11-3, 11-5 in the last 16 on Thursday.

Noor and Ashab will now contest their respective semi-finals on Saturday, with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.