Noor Shines Bright as Nasir Misses Last 16

CHENGDU-(Special Correspondent/Web desk) – Pakistan’s squash players had a mixed day at the World Games on Friday, as rising star Noor Zaman cruised into the last 16, while veteran Nasir Iqbal bowed out after a tough battle in Chengdu, China.

The 21-year-old Noor dismantled China’s Chen Haisong in straight games — 11-2, 11-2, 11-0 — during their round-of-32 clash, underlining his championship ambitions. The match lasted just 18 minutes, showcasing Noor’s dominance from the very first rally.

Ruthless Performance From the Young Star

Noor displayed pinpoint accuracy, a fierce attacking game, and flawless movement across the court. Fresh from winning the Under-23 World Squash Championship in April, he left the home crowd stunned by allowing his opponent only four points in the entire match.

Coach Fahim Gul praised Noor’s focus and execution:

“Noor came in with a clear game plan and executed it perfectly. He didn’t let the occasion or the home crowd affect him. This is the mindset we’ve been working on.”

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Fahim added with confidence:

“This is just the start; we’re aiming for something big here.”

Nasir Iqbal Fights Hard but Falls Short

While Noor celebrated, Pakistan’s day was bittersweet as Nasir Iqbal exited the competition. The 31-year-old gave a spirited performance against world No. 16 Dimitri Steinmann of Switzerland, but lost 8-11, 8-11, 7-11.

Coach Fahim highlighted the positives from Nasir’s match:

“Nasir fought hard against a top opponent. He matched Steinmann in rallies but lacked finishing at key moments.

Switzerland, Germany, and Iran Strike Gold Early

Earlier on Friday, Switzerland’s Riccardo Rancan claimed the first gold medal of the Games by winning the men’s middle-distance orienteering event in 45 minutes and 22 seconds. Orienteering — a sport born in Sweden over a century ago — challenges athletes to navigate unfamiliar terrain using only a map and compass, racing to reach set checkpoints in the shortest time.

Germany’s Mia Bitsch won the women’s kumite 55kg karate gold, defeating Ukraine’s Anzhelika Terliuga. In men’s kumite 60kg, Eray Samdan of Turkiye triumphed over Japan’s Hiromu Hashimoto in the final.

Iran’s Sara Bahmanyar topped the women’s kumite 50kg category, beating Kazakhstan’s Moldir Zhangbyrbay, while Morocco’s Said Oubaya secured the men’s 67kg gold medal.

Host Nation China Wins First Gold

Hosts China celebrated their first gold medal through Lu Zhuoling, who won the women’s Wushu Taijiquan-Taijijian with a score of 19.522 points. She edged past Singapore’s Zeanne Law (19.430) and Malaysia’s Chin Sy Xuan Sydney (19.410).

The combined Taijiquan and Taijijian routines involve graceful yet complex martial arts techniques, with judges awarding scores based on precision, difficulty, and execution.

Germany’s Marius-Andrei Balan and Khrystyna Moshenska took gold in Latin Dance, one of the most popular events in dancesport. The World Games bring together the best athletes from non-Olympic sports worldwide, turning the spotlight on disciplines often overlooked on the Olympic stage.