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

AI Summary

Pakistan secured at least a bronze medal in squash at the Asian Games after Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab reached the semi-finals. Both athletes showed strong performances against competitors from Hong Kong and India, advancing to contest for a spot in the final.

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.