ISLAMABAD: Pakistan men’s team stormed into the final of the 23rd Asian Team Squash Championships 2026 after defeating Hong Kong China 2-0 on Day 4 at the Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad.
Pakistan will face Korea in the men’s team final on November 7 after Korea edged defending Asian champions Malaysia 2-1 in the first men’s semifinal.
In the second semifinal, Noor Zaman gave Pakistan the lead by beating Lau Tsz Kwan of Hong Kong China 5-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8. Mohammad Asim Khan then sealed the tie with an 11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 11-3 victory over Wong Chi Him. The match between Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Lai Cheuk Nam Matthew was not played.
Earlier, Korea reached the final after overcoming Malaysia 2-1. Malaysia’s Joachim Chuah defeated Jeongmin Ryu 11-5, 11-5, 11-5 in the opening match, but Korea bounced back through Jooyoung Na, who beat Siow Yee Xian 11-8, 7-11, 12-10, 3-11, 11-6. Seojin Oh completed Korea’s comeback with a 1-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9 win against Duncan Lee.
In the men’s 5th/6th placing match, Iran defeated Uzbekistan 3-0. Sepehr Etemadpoor beat Muhammadmustafo Abdurakhmonov 11-9, 11-7, 14-12, Mojtaba Kafili Vijouyeh defeated Yakhyokhon Nazirov 11-9, 11-5 after retirement, and Mohammad Changanian overcame Botirjon Anvarjonov 11-2, 11-2, 11-6.
On the women’s side, Iran defeated Pakistan 2-1. Fereshteh Eghtedari beat Sana Bahadar 11-8, 11-6, 11-6 before Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali levelled the tie with an 11-3, 4-11, 11-8, 11-9 win over Baran Mohammadpoor. Narges Soltani secured the tie for Iran by defeating Sehrish Ali 11-9, 11-5, 11-8.
Malaysia also registered a 3-0 win over Korea in the women’s team event. Yasshmita Jadishkumar beat Mingyeong Heo 11-4, 11-1, 11-1, Yee Xin Ying defeated Hwayeong Eum 11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, and Thanusaa Uthrian beat Boram Ryoo 11-5, 11-7, 11-3.
The Asian Squash Federation (ASF) Award Ceremony was also held at the Mushaf Squash Complex on the same day. ASF Vice President Mr Adel Jassim AlGhareeb awarded certificates to all the awardees.
In the ASF Coaches Award 2025, Mr Peter Genever of Hong Kong, China, and Mr Fahim Gul of Pakistan were named ASF Coaches of the Year. Mr Max Lee of Hong Kong, China, received the ASF Junior Coach of the Year award, while Ms Low Wee Wern of Malaysia was named ASF Development Coach of the Year.
ASF Coaches Certificates of Recognition were awarded to Ms Elise Ng, Mr Fakeem Khan, Ms Joey Chan, Mr Peter Genever, Mr Roger Ngan and Mr Wong Hun Fung of Hong Kong, China, Mr Muhammad Alamin Kamazahraman of Malaysia, and Mr Gursthan Singh of Singapore.
In the ASF Performance Award 2025, the Dato Alex Lee Award for Men went to Mr Abhay Singh of India, while the women’s award went to Ms Satomi Watanabe of Japan. The Hassan Musa Award for Boy was awarded to Mr Wa-bern Low of Malaysia, and the Hassan Musa Award for Girl went to Ms Anahat Singh of India.
The final day’s schedule on November 7 will begin with two women’s team fixtures at 11:00am. Korea will face Pakistan on Court 2, while Hong Kong China will take on Malaysia on the glass court. The men’s team final between Pakistan and Korea will be played at 3:00pm on the glass court.
