Nasir fights back to win squash title

Veteran recovers from one game down to beat Abdullah at Sindh Challenger Squash Championship

Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal fought back from a game down to beat Abdullah Nawaz and win the PSA Sindh Challenger Squash Championship at Karachi on Sunday.

Abdullah made the better start in the 48-minute final at the Jahangir Khan Sports Club, taking the opening game 11-6.

But the experienced Nasir responded immediately, claiming a tight second game 13-11 before taking control of the contest. He won the third game 11-2 and held off a late challenge from Abdullah to take the fourth 11-9 and seal the title.

The tournament, organised by the Sindh Squash Association (SSA), carried a total prize purse of $6,000.

Nasir received $950 and a trophy as champion, while Abdullah collected $600 and a trophy for finishing as runner-up of the event. Former world champion Jahangir Khan and Zubair Jahan Khan presented the prizes to the finalists.

Jahangir praised both players and welcomed the increasing number of squash tournaments being held in Pakistan.

“The frequent hosting of squash championships in recent times is a welcome development,” Jahangir said.

Sindh Squash Association’s president Adnan Asad is working to organise tournaments with bigger prize purses, while Karachi is expected to host several major squash events in the near future.

Jahangir also urged Pakistan’s players to work harder and make the most of the growing competitive opportunities.

He said the players should target gold medals at the Asian Games and work towards qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The victory gives Nasir a confidence boost, as he continues his bid to regain his place among Pakistan’s leading squash players and compete successfully on the international circuit.

Nasir also has ahead a big task of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following a welcome inclusion of the sport in the world’s major extravaganza. The next month Asian Games will be very crucial for him and a handful of other Pakistan’s top players.