Pakistan faced a mixed day at the Asian Games on Saturday. Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan secured bronze medals in squash. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s hockey team suffered its first defeat of the tournament. The Asian Games: Noor and Ashab settle for bronze, Pakistan suffer first defeat in hockey headline reflects two major developments. Both squash players lost their respective semi-final matches. Their defeats ended their hopes of reaching the final.
Noor Zaman misses squash final
Pakistan’s top-ranked squash player Noor Zaman faced Malaysia’s top seed Eain Yow Ng. The match began with a close contest between the two players. Noor and Ng traded points early in the first game. The score reached 5-5 before Noor moved ahead 7-5. Ng then changed the momentum and produced a strong comeback. He won the first game 11-7 after 14 minutes.
The Malaysian player continued his strong performance in the second game. Noor scored the opening point, but Ng quickly levelled the score. Ng then won 10 straight points. He closed the second game 11-2 in only four minutes. The third game also went in Ng’s favour. He built an early six-point lead before Noor began to respond.
Noor reduced the gap and saved one match point. However, Ng secured the second match point to win 11-4. The result ended Noor’s run in the squash event. He finished with a bronze medal.
Ashab also wins bronze
Mohammad Ashab Irfan also suffered defeat in his semi-final. He faced India’s second seed Abhay Singh. Ashab struggled to settle during the opening game. Singh won it comfortably by 11-3. Ashab improved in the second game and pushed his opponent closer. However, Singh eventually won the game 12-10.
The Indian player then completed the match with an 11-6 win. The contest lasted 35 minutes. Ashab’s semi-final defeat also earned him a bronze medal. Both Pakistani players therefore finished their squash campaigns on the podium.
Pakistan lose first hockey match
Pakistan’s hockey team also suffered a setback. Malaysia defeated Pakistan 5-4 at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium. The result ended Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the tournament. Sufyan Khan scored all four goals for Pakistan. Pakistan opened the scoring in the third minute. Malaysia quickly responded through Shello Silverius.
Faizal Saari then gave Malaysia the lead in the 23rd minute. Sufyan restored Pakistan’s advantage with goals in the 39th and 43rd minutes. Malaysia equalised again before the end of the third quarter. Saari Fitri made it 3-3. Pakistan started the final quarter strongly. Sufyan scored again in the 46th minute to put Pakistan ahead.
Pakistan created more chances but failed to extend the lead. Malaysian goalkeeper Zaimi Deris Mat made important saves. Silverius later scored his second goal to level the match. Azrai Abu Kamal then scored in the 57th minute. Pakistan pushed forward during the final minutes. Malaysia defended its lead and secured the 5-4 victory.
The story now shifts toward Pakistan’s next hockey match. Pakistan will face Oman in its final pool match on Monday. The team will look to respond after its first defeat. Overall, Pakistan’s Saturday campaign produced two squash bronze medals. However, the hockey defeat added pressure ahead of the final pool fixture. The Asian Games: Noor and Ashab settle for bronze, Pakistan suffer first defeat in hockey result highlights a difficult day for Pakistan’s athletes.
Read more about Pakistan wins first medal at Asian Games 2026 for updates on Pakistan’s medal.