ISLAMABAD: Pakistan men’s team moved 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.
Korea also reached the men’s final by beating defending Asian champions Malaysia 2-1. Pakistan and Korea will now meet in the men’s team final on November 7 at 3:00pm.
In the men’s second semifinal, Noor Zaman gave Pakistan a strong start with a 5-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 win over Lau Tsz Kwan. Mohammad Asim Khan then sealed the tie by defeating Wong Chi Him 11-4, 6-11, 11-7, 11-3. The match between Muhammad Ashab Irfan and Lai Cheuk Nam Matthew was not played.
In the first men’s semifinal, Korea overcame Malaysia 2-1. Joachim Chuah put Malaysia ahead by beating Jeongmin Ryu 11-5, 11-5, 11-5. Jooyoung Na levelled the tie for Korea with an 11-8, 7-11, 12-10, 3-11, 11-6 victory over Siow Yee Xian. Seojin Oh then completed Korea’s win by defeating Duncan Lee 1-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-9.
In the men’s 5th/6th placing match, Iran beat Uzbekistan 3-0. Sepehr Etemadpoor defeated Muhammadmustafo Abdurakhmonov 11-9, 11-7, 14-12. Mojtaba Kafili Vijouyeh beat Yakhyokhon Nazirov 11-9, 11-5 after the Uzbekistan player retired. Mohammad Changanian completed the result with an 11-2, 11-2, 11-6 win over Botirjon Anvarjonov.
On the women’s side, Iran defeated Pakistan 2-1. Fereshteh Eghtedari beat Sana Bahadar 11-8, 11-6, 11-6, before Mahnoor Ali brought Pakistan level with an 11-3, 4-11, 11-8, 11-9 win against Baran Mohammadpoor. Narges Soltani secured the tie for Iran by defeating Sehrish Ali 11-9, 11-5, 11-8.
Malaysia beat Korea 3-0 in the other women’s team match. Yasshmita Jadishkumar defeated Mingyeong Heo 11-4, 11-1, 11-1, Yee Xin Ying beat Hwayeong Eum 11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 12-10, 11-8, and Thanusaa Uthrian defeated Boram Ryoo 11-5, 11-7, 11-3.
The Asian Squash Federation (ASF) Award Ceremony was also held at the Mushaf Squash Complex, where ASF Vice President Mr. Adel Jassim AlGhareeb presented certificates to the awardees.
In the ASF Coaches Award 2025, Mr. Peter Genever of Hong Kong China and Mr. Fahim Gul of Pakistan were named ASF Coach 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 Dato Alex Lee Award for Women was given 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 schedule on November 7 includes Korea vs Pakistan in the women’s team match at 11:00am on Court 2, Hong Kong China vs Malaysia in the women’s team match at 11:00am on the glass court, and Pakistan vs Korea in the men’s team final at 3:00pm on the glass court.
