Nagoya, October 1, 2026: Mohammad Ashab Irfan and Nasir Iqbal inspired Pakistan to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Hong Kong, China, in the men’s team squash semi-final at the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday.
The victory guaranteed Pakistan at least a silver medal and set up a final against Malaysia at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena on Friday.
Pakistan made a difficult start to the semi-final, with Noor Zaman losing 3-1 to Tsz Kwan Lau in the opening match.
Zaman won a closely contested first game 12-10 in 13 minutes, but Lau responded strongly to take the next three games 11-3, 11-6 and 11-5, giving Hong Kong, China a 1-0 lead.
With Pakistan needing a win to stay alive, Irfan delivered a dominant performance against Chi Hin Henry Leung, securing a 3-0 victory.
The 22-year-old took the opening game 11-5 in seven minutes before edging a tight second game 13-11. He then wrapped up the match with an 11-7 victory in the third game to level the tie at 1-1.
Nasir then completed the comeback against Cheuk Nam Lai in the deciding match.
Nasir narrowly lost the opening game 12-10 but responded emphatically, winning the next three games 11-3, 11-9 and 12-4 to seal Pakistan’s place in the final.
Pakistan will face Malaysia for the men’s team squash gold medal at the same venue on Friday.
