Nagoya: Malaysia beats Pakistan in the final of the men’s squash team event of the Asia Games in Japan.
According to the sources, in the second crucial match of the Asian Games final, Malaysia’s prominent player Eain Yow Ng defeated Pakistan’s Noor Zaman 2-0 after a competitive encounter. With this victory, Malaysia clinched the final series to win the gold medal, while the Pakistan squash team, having displayed commendable performance throughout the tournament, settled for the silver medal.
Pakistan put up a stellar fight overall and reached the final, once again demonstrating its
Traditional presence at the Asian level. However, in the decisive stage, the Malaysian player successfully capitalized on his experience and edge.
The Decline of Pakistan Squash: A Long Story of Regression
There was a time when Pakistan ruled the world of squash like an undisputed king. Legends such as Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan maintained dominance over the sport for decades, flying Pakistan’s flag high across the globe.
However, for many years now, squash in Pakistan has suffered a severe decline, causing deep concern among sports circles.
The primary reasons behind this downfall include a lack of government patronage and insufficient funding.
Modern training facilities, international-standard coaching, and financial support for athletes—vital for an individual yet demanding sport like squash—have been absent for a long time.
Flawed administrative structures within sports boards, a lack of meritocracy, and the stagnation of grassroots talent hunt programs have also heavily contributed to this regression.
In the past, nursery programs under the Pakistan Squash Federation continuously produced new champions for the world, but poor strategic planning led to the collapse of this system. Disinterest from the private sector and the younger generation’s heavy inclination toward other sports (particularly cricket) are major hurdles to the sport’s growth.
Although talented young players like Noor Zaman prove that natural squash talent is still alive in Pakistan, long-term international victories cannot be achieved solely on the backs of a few individual athletes.
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This silver medal should serve as a wake-up call, demanding the immediate implementation of a comprehensive, transparent, and long-term national roadmap to restore Pakistan to its lost glory in squash.
