Asian Team Squash Championship winners rewarded

IPC minister Rana Sanaullah gives away Rs4 million to Pakistan's four squash players

Pakistan's four gold medal-winning men's squash players received cash awards of Rs1 million each on Wednesday in recognition of their triumph at the 23rd Asian Team Squash Championships.

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) president Rana Sanaullah Khan distributed the awards at a ceremony in Islamabad, with the total prize money amounting to Rs4 million.

Noor Zaman, Muhammad Asim Khan, Nasir Iqbal and Ashab Irfan were honoured for helping Pakistan win the continental title at the Mushaf Squash Complex from November 3 to 7.

Pakistan secured the men's team gold medal with a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the final. Noor Zaman defeated Jeongmin Ryu 11-5, 11-7, 13-11, before Muhammad Asim Khan beat Seojin Oh 11-6, 11-5, 11-4 to seal the championship.

Sanaullah congratulated the players, coaches and team management, describing the achievement as a matter of national pride. He praised their dedication, discipline and determination in bringing the Asian title to Pakistan.

He said the government's recognition of outstanding athletes reflected its commitment to promoting sports and supporting national talent.

Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, PSB director general Yawar Hussain and Pakistan Squash Federation secretary general Group Captain (retired) Amir Nawaz also attended the ceremony.

Wani congratulated the players and said their achievement demonstrated Pakistan's sporting potential and would encourage younger generations to pursue excellence in sports.

Yawar also praised the team's performance, expressing hope that the victory would provide fresh impetus to squash development in the country.

In the women's competition, Hong Kong China defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the gold medal, with Malaysia taking silver. South Korea finished with silver in the men's event.

The championships were held in Pakistan, with the national men's team delivering the host country's title-winning performance.