(Web Desk) – Noor Zaman’s bid for a World Games squash medal came to an end on Saturday after he fell short in a gripping five-game contest, while teammate Nasir Iqbal kept his campaign alive in the plate event.
Facing Colombian world No. 21 Miguel Rodriguez in the round of 16, Noor fought back from 2-1 down to force a deciding game but was ultimately outclassed.
“Noor showed great heart, but Rodriguez’s experience proved decisive in the key moments,” said Pakistan coach Fahim Gul, whose squad is making its debut at the Games. “This is a valuable learning experience for him, and he’ll return stronger.”
Noor started brightly, racing to an 11-2 win in the opening game in just six minutes. Rodriguez responded, taking the next two games 11-7 and 11-9. Noor levelled the match by edging the fourth 13-11, but Rodriguez sealed victory with an 11-6 win in the decider.
The young Pakistani will now compete in the special plate event, starting with a quarter-final against Egypt’s Mohammad Nasser on Sunday.
Nasir, who exited in the first round of the main draw, cruised into the plate quarter-finals after defeating Austria’s Daniel Lutz 11-7, 11-4, 11-8. He will next face Romanian Radu Pena.
“Nasir played intelligent squash today, dictating the match from start to finish,” Fahim noted. “He’s eager to capitalise on this second chance.”
The World Games feature sports not contested at the Olympics, though squash will make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.