ISLAMABAD, Oct 01 (APP): Pakistan advanced to the men’s team squash final at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 after edging Hong Kong, China 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final on Thursday, with Nasir Iqbal producing a determined performance in the decisive match.
Pakistan made a strong recovery after losing the opening encounter to secure a place in the gold medal final.
Hong Kong’s Lau defeated Pakistan’s Noor Zaman 3-1 in the opening match, winning 10-12, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5 in 37 minutes.
Pakistan levelled the tie through Muhammad Ashab Irfan, who produced a composed 3-0 victory over Leung C. Ashab won 11-5, 13-11, 11-7 in 31 minutes.
With the semi-final tied at 1-1, the outcome was decided in the third and final match, where Nasir Iqbal held his nerve against Hong Kong’s Lai.
Nasir fought back after dropping the opening game 10-12 and won the next three games 11-3, 11-9, 14-12 to complete a 3-1 victory after a 53-minute battle.
The victory sent Pakistan into the men’s team gold medal final, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between India and Malaysia.
Pakistan’s progress to the final gives the country another opportunity to challenge for a medal in squash at the continental showpiece. The gold medal match will be played on Friday.
Results:
Hong Kong, China 1-2 Pakistan
Lau (HKG) bt Noor Zaman (PAK) 3-1 (10-12, 11-3, 11-6, 11-5)
Muhammad Ashab Irfan (PAK) bt Leung C. (HKG) 3-0 (11-5, 13-11, 11-7)
Nasir Iqbal (PAK) bt Lai (HKG) 3-1 (10-12, 11-3, 11-9, 14-12)
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
