Key Takeaways
- Noor Zaman, 22, will carry Pakistan's flag at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Nagoya.
- Zaman aims to bring Pakistan back to the top in squash, inspired by his family's legacy.
- He is the third seed in the men's singles and faces tough competition from Malaysia and India.
Noor Zaman, a 22-year-old squash player from Peshawar, will carry Pakistan's flag at the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, 2026. Zaman, who is also the flag-bearer for the women's cricket team, Fatima Sana, will represent Pakistan in this significant sporting event.
Zaman, inspired by his grandfather, Qamar Zaman, and uncle, Mansoor Zaman, who were both world champions, is determined to bring Pakistan back to the top in squash. He says, 'I want to bring Pakistan on top in squash, make my country champions again.'
The responsibility is significant, but Zaman is not under pressure. He adds, 'Because of what my grandfather did for Pakistan, the name he built for himself — I am also working hard for that.'
Zaman is the third seed in the men's singles, behind Malaysia's Eain Yow Ng and India's Abhay Singh. He acknowledges the challenge, stating, 'They are all tough — nobody is easy in this tournament.'
Zaman's preparation has been rigorous, including participation in the PSA Tour in London and Qatar. He faced India in the 2022 Asian Games as a junior and lost the final. This time, he returns as Pakistan's leading hope, with the stakes higher than usual. An individual gold at the Asian Games now directly qualifies the winner for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Zaman's confidence is built on a breakthrough year. In 2025, he won the Under-23 World Championship in Karachi, the first time Pakistan had hosted a World Championship in years. He says, 'That victory gave me a lot of motivation as my PSA ranking improved.'
His target is to break into the top 13 or 12 in the next PSA cycle, which begins in January. Zaman is fully prepared and will try his best to win gold. He adds, 'I have worked very hard for that.'
The 243-strong contingent representing Pakistan at the Asian Games includes Zaman and Fatima Sana, the captain of the women's cricket team. The opening ceremony will officially mark the commencement of the Games, with Zaman and Sana leading the way.
Zaman's journey is a testament to the legacy of his family and the potential of young Pakistani athletes in the global sporting arena.
I want to bring Pakistan on top in squash, make my country champions again.
Noor Zaman, Squash player
They are all tough — nobody is easy in this tournament.
Noor Zaman, Squash player
I have worked very hard for that.
Noor Zaman, Squash player
