Nagoya, 25 September, 2026 (Nosheen): Pakistan secured another medal at the Asian Games 2026 as squash players Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan reached the semi-finals of the men’s singles competition at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. Noor defeated Hong Kong’s Chi Hin Henry Leung, while Ashab overcame India’s Veer Chotrani 3-1 after losing the opening game, winning 6-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6. Noor will face Malaysia’s Eain Yow Ng in the first semi-final, while Ashab will meet India’s Abhay Singh in the second last-four clash, with both matches scheduled for Saturday. Their victories have guaranteed Pakistan at least a bronze medal in the men’s singles event. The achievement also marks the first time since 2002 that two Pakistani players have reached the Asian Games squash semi-finals. Both players had entered the quarter-finals without dropping a game, with Noor defeating Kuwait’s Ammar Altamimi 11-4, 11-9, 11-4 and Ashab beating Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Al Alnafsan 11-9, 11-3, 11-5 in the last 16. Ashab said he was delighted with the victory, describing Chotrani as a tough opponent and acknowledging the importance of the Asian Games, particularly with Olympic qualification at stake.