Pakistan Sweep South Korea to Reach Asian Games Squash Semi-Finals
NAGOYA, JAPAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan powered into the men’s team squash semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over South Korea in their quarter-final on Wednesday.
Mohammad Ashab Irfan gave Pakistan the ideal start with a straight-games victory over South Korea’s Jooyoung Na at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena.
Irfan controlled the opening game and took it 11-5 before maintaining his advantage through the next two games. He won both 11-8, completing an 11-5, 11-8, 11-8 victory and putting Pakistan ahead in the quarter-final tie.
The performance continued a strong Asian Games campaign for Irfan, who had already secured a bronze medal in the men’s individual squash competition.
Pakistan’s top-ranked Noor Zaman then stepped onto the court against Seojin Oh with an opportunity to seal the team’s place in the last four.
Noor dominated the opening stages, taking the first two games 11-4 and 11-5.
The South Korean responded in the third game, winning 11-8 to keep his side’s hopes alive. Noor, however, quickly regained control and produced a commanding performance in the fourth game.
The Pakistani player raced to an 11-2 victory to complete a 3-1 win and give Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the quarter-final.
With the tie already secured, Pakistan’s third player, Nasir Iqbal, was not required to play a deciding match.
The result guarantees Pakistan at least a bronze medal in the men’s team squash competition because both losing semi-finalists receive bronze medals at the Asian Games. Pakistan will now compete for a place in the final as its strong squash campaign in Nagoya continues.
