Pakistan’s squash players showcase their talent with outstanding performances in the Asian Games singles competition.
During the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Pakistan’s squash players made a strong impression in the singles event on Sunday. Asim Khan from Pakistan defeated Aaron-Jon Widjaja Liang of Singapore 3-1 to advance to the round of 16. Despite losing the first game, Asim went on to secure victory by winning the next three games. In another match, Nasir Iqbal secured a 3-0 victory over Natthapat Theerasilp of Thailand, earning a spot in the men’s singles round of 16.
In the women’s singles category, Pakistan’s Noor-ul-Ain defeated Khulan Purevjav of Mongolia 3-0, securing her place in the round of 16. However, Pakistan’s players faced defeats against India in both mixed doubles matches on the same day. In Pool D, India’s Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh easily defeated Pakistan’s Farhan Zaman and Sadia Gul with a score of 2-0. In Pool A, Noor Zaman and Mehwish Ali also suffered a 2-0 loss to India’s Harinder Pal Singh and Dipika Pallikal.
Indian men’s squash team won the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games, defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Pakistani athletes continued to underperform in the track and field events on Sunday. Pakistan’s top athlete Shajar Abbas and female sprinter Tameen Khan both failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the 200m event. Abbas finished 17th overall with a time of 21.53 seconds, well below his personal best. He also stepped outside of his lane once during the race. Khan was disqualified for lane infringement.
Abbas had previously failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the 100m event, finishing sixth with a time of 10.59 seconds.
Pakistan to play defending champions Iran in Asian Games kabaddi opener
The Pakistan kabaddi team will begin their Asian Games campaign against defending champions Iran on Monday in their first match of the tournament.
The Pakistan kabaddi team, which won bronze in the previous edition of the Asian Games, has already arrived in Hangzhou to participate in the mega event, which will run from October 2 to October 7. Pakistan has been placed in Group B along with Iran, Korea, and Malaysia, while India, Japan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei are in Group A.