Noor Zaman Stuns World No. 4 in Squash, Carrying Forward the Legacy of Grandfather Qamar Zaman

Pakistan’s rising squash star Noor Zaman has delivered a remarkable performance on the international stage, defeating a player ranked fourth in the world despite being ranked 34th himself. The impressive victory has strengthened hopes that Pakistan can once again produce champions capable of challenging the very best in professional squash.

For Noor, the achievement represents much more than a memorable result. It reflects years of dedication, demanding training and family sacrifices, particularly the commitment of his grandfather, Qamar Zaman, one of Pakistan’s legendary squash players. Under his grandfather’s guidance, Noor has been developing the skills, discipline and competitive mentality required to pursue success at the highest level.

The victory also carries special significance for Pakistani squash supporters, who have waited for a new generation to restore the country’s historic reputation in a sport it once dominated.

A Remarkable Victory Against a World-Class Opponent

Noor Zaman demonstrated his growing confidence and ability by overcoming Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, a former world champion and one of the most respected players on the professional circuit.

Ranked significantly higher than Noor, Gawad entered the contest with considerable experience and an established reputation. However, the young Pakistani refused to be intimidated by his opponent’s status and produced an impressive performance to secure the victory.

Noor won the opening two games, putting Gawad under immediate pressure. Although the Egyptian fought back to take the third game, Noor maintained his composure, regained control and closed out the match in the fourth.

The result demonstrated not only his technical ability but also his mental strength. Competing against an experienced opponent requires patience, tactical awareness and the ability to respond when momentum shifts. Noor showed that he possessed the determination to remain focused and finish the job.

For a player ranked outside the world’s top 30, defeating the world No. 4 represents an important breakthrough. It sends a message that Noor has the potential to compete against elite opponents and continue climbing the international rankings.

However, the greatest challenge now will be maintaining this level of performance consistently against the world’s leading players.

Qamar Zaman: The Guiding Force Behind Noor’s Journey

Behind Noor’s development stands his grandfather, Qamar Zaman, a celebrated figure in Pakistan’s squash history.

Qamar Zaman reached world No. 1 and won the prestigious British Open title in 1975. During his playing career, he established himself among the leading figures of international squash and became part of the generation that made Pakistan a global force in the sport.

Today, his contribution continues through his grandson, whose development has benefited from the experience, knowledge and discipline of a former world champion.

Qamar’s role in Noor’s life extends beyond the relationship between a grandfather and grandson. He has been an important mentor, helping shape the young player’s approach to training, competition and the demands of professional sport.

Noor began playing squash at a young age, but reaching the professional level required years of hard work. Training sessions, physical conditioning and repeated practice demanded patience and commitment. Noor has acknowledged that the demanding routine was not always easy during his childhood.

His grandfather nevertheless emphasised discipline and the importance of consistent effort. Those early lessons helped establish the foundations of Noor’s game and prepared him for the challenges of competitive squash.

Qamar understands that natural talent is only one part of becoming a champion. Success requires sacrifice, determination, physical fitness and the ability to learn from defeats. Having experienced the pressures of international competition himself, he has been able to guide Noor with an understanding that few mentors can offer.

The achievement against a world No. 4 is therefore also a reminder of the work that takes place away from the spotlight. Every successful performance is supported by countless hours of preparation, technical improvement and physical training.

For Qamar, watching Noor challenge the world’s leading players represents the continuation of a sporting legacy. For Noor, his grandfather’s experience provides both inspiration and a standard he must work hard to meet.

A Family Legacy Built on Squash

Noor belongs to a family deeply connected with Pakistani squash. His grandfather, Qamar Zaman, established himself as an international champion, while his uncle Mansoor Zaman also competed at the highest level. His father, Munawar Zaman, has likewise been associated with the sport.

Growing up in such an environment has given Noor valuable exposure to the demands of professional squash. He has been surrounded by people who understand the importance of technique, preparation and mental strength.

Yet a famous family name does not guarantee success. Every player must prove himself on the court, and Noor’s growing reputation has been built through his own performances.

The expectations surrounding him are considerable because Pakistan has produced some of the greatest players in squash history. Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan dominated the international game for years, establishing standards that remain an inspiration for aspiring Pakistani players.

Noor now has an opportunity to create his own identity while drawing motivation from the achievements of previous generations.

His grandfather’s guidance has provided a strong foundation, but the responsibility of carrying the legacy forward ultimately rests on Noor’s shoulders. His progress will depend on his ability to remain dedicated, improve his weaknesses and compete consistently against experienced international opponents.

From Junior Champion to International Contender

Noor’s progress has already included significant achievements. In 2025, he won the World Under-23 Squash Championship in Karachi, defeating Egypt’s Kareem El Torkey in a final that required an impressive comeback.

That triumph demonstrated his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Recovering from a difficult position in a championship final requires confidence, concentration and a willingness to keep fighting when circumstances appear unfavourable.

The victory over Gawad represents another important step in his development, this time against an established star of the professional circuit.

International squash is physically demanding and mentally exhausting. Players must combine speed, endurance, precise movement and tactical intelligence while responding to opponents who can change their approach within a match.

For Noor to progress further, he will need to build on this breakthrough through consistent performances, careful preparation and continued improvement in all aspects of his game.

Climbing the world rankings is a gradual process, and defeating a leading player is only one part of the journey. Repeated victories against strong opponents will be essential if he hopes to establish himself among the sport’s elite.

Nevertheless, his latest performance provides evidence that he can compete at a level beyond what his current ranking might suggest.

Renewed Hope for Pakistani Squash

Noor’s success has offered fresh encouragement to a country with a proud squash heritage. Pakistan once stood at the centre of the international game, producing champions whose achievements inspired generations of young athletes.

In recent years, the country has worked to rebuild its presence on the professional circuit. Noor’s rise provides a promising example of the talent that continues to emerge from Pakistan.

His victory also underlines the importance of investing in young players, supporting professional training and providing opportunities to compete internationally. Talent needs the right environment to flourish, and the involvement of experienced figures such as Qamar Zaman can make a significant difference.

For young Pakistanis watching Noor’s journey, the message is clear: international success remains possible through discipline, patience and sustained effort.

The support of family and mentors can help athletes navigate the difficult path from junior competition to professional recognition, but long-term achievement requires commitment from the player at every stage.

A Victory That Could Mark the Beginning of Something Bigger

Noor Zaman’s defeat of a world No. 4 is a major moment in his developing career. It has demonstrated his potential, highlighted the value of years of preparation and renewed optimism about Pakistan’s prospects in international squash.

Equally important is the story behind his progress. The dedication of his grandfather, Qamar Zaman, has helped provide the guidance and discipline necessary for Noor to pursue his ambitions.

Their journey represents a powerful connection between Pakistan’s glorious squash past and its hopes for the future. One generation established the country’s reputation, while the next is working to bring that reputation back to the forefront of international competition.

Noor must now turn this impressive victory into sustained progress. The road ahead will bring tougher opponents, difficult matches and new expectations. His ability to learn, adapt and remain focused will determine how far he can rise.

For now, Pakistan has reason to celebrate a young player who has shown that determination and preparation can overcome the limitations suggested by a ranking.

With Qamar Zaman’s experience behind him and his own ambitions driving him forward, Noor has an opportunity to build a legacy of his own and help restore Pakistani squash to the international spotlight.