PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s rising squash star, Noor Zaman, received a hero’s welcome as he returned to Peshawar after clinching the Under-23 World Squash Championship title, once again raising Pakistan’s flag high on the global sports stage.
The warm reception took place at PAF Squash Complex Peshawar, where a special ceremony was organized in his honor. Attendees included prominent figures from Pakistan’s squash history and sports community such as former world champions Jansher Khan and Qamar Zaman (Noor’s grandfather), former Sports Minister Syed Aqil Shah, AIPS General Secretary Amjad Aziz Malik, National Society for Sports Development Director Malik Hidayat-ul-Haq, and Pakistan Cycling Federation President Syed Azhar Ali Shah, along with a large number of current and former athletes and sports officials.
Speaking to the media, Noor Zaman expressed his gratitude:
“First and foremost, I thank Allah for giving me the strength to win this title for Pakistan. This is not just my victory but a win for the entire nation.”
Wearing floral garlands and hailed as a national hero, Noor Zaman reaffirmed his commitment to continued hard work and excellence in upcoming tournaments. He extended heartfelt thanks to the Pakistan Squash Federation and acknowledged the support and mentorship of his squash-legend family.
His grandfather, Qamar Zaman, praised Noor’s triumph as a beacon of hope for aspiring players and stated:
“This is Pakistan’s biggest squash achievement in over three decades. It is a divine blessing and an inspiration for our youth.”
During the ceremony, speakers unanimously celebrated the championship win as a historic moment, reigniting interest and passion for squash in the country. Former champion Jansher Khan also echoed optimism for Pakistan’s squash resurgence, emphasizing the importance of continued support for young athletes:
“If we collectively invest in nurturing young talent, the golden era of Pakistani squash will surely return.”
