Squash returned to Pakistan after nearly two decades in April 2025, when the U23 World Squash Championship was hosted at DHA Creek Club, featuring 34 men and 22 women from 22 countries. Building on that momentum, the Rich Venus PSA Gold Open became the second major international event at the venue, attracting elite players from over 20 countries to compete for a total prize purse of $243,000. The tournament not only showcased world-class competition but also celebrated the revival of a sport that once defined Pakistan on the global stage.

For nearly fifty years, Pakistan was synonymous with squash dominance. Legends such as Roshan Khan, Hashim Khan, Qamar Zaman, Jahangir Khan, and Jansher Khan won British Open and World Open titles almost consecutively, establishing Pakistan as an unbeatable force. Their legacy went beyond trophies—they set global standards for fitness, strategy, and mental toughness in a sport demanding perfection.

The Rich Venus Open carried that heritage forward. In the men’s draw, Mohamad Zakaria captured the title after a gripping five-game final, showcasing skill and composure under pressure. On the venue, he said, “The venue was state of the art and it was a joy to play here.”

For Pakistan’s rising star Noor Zaman, the tournament was a defining moment. Entering with a world ranking of No. 38, he battled former World Champion Mohamed ElShorbagy in a thrilling quarter-final, narrowly losing 3‑2. His performance earned widespread praise and helped propel him to a career-high World No. 30. Noor’s matches highlighted not only his talent but also the energy of the home crowd and the quality of the DHA Creek Club courts—gleaming glass walls, perfect lighting, and climate-controlled conditions that allowed athletes to perform at the highest level.

The tournament’s success also highlights DHA’s long-term vision for sports infrastructure, ensuring Pakistan’s return to the international squash calendar is substantive. The glass courts, training facilities, and meticulous event management have impressed athletes and officials alike, showing that Pakistan can host competitions on par with any global venue.

Among those present was Jahangir Khan, whose words captured the spirit of Pakistan’s squash revival: “Focus and training are essential, as squash is a game of physical resilience and mental focus. That is what I would urge young players to concentrate on. Training hard is the key.” He also praised DHA Creek Club’s facilities as “state of the art,” reinforcing that Pakistan’s new generation of players now has the infrastructure to match their ambition and talent.

The Rich Venus Open was more than a competition—it was a homecoming. After decades of absence due to security concerns and infrastructure gaps, squash has returned to its natural home. From the echoes of Jahangir Khan’s unmatched unbeaten streak to Noor Zaman’s thrilling matches today, Pakistan’s courts once again resonate with world-class talent, passion, and promise.

For players and spectators alike, the event reaffirmed that Pakistan is not just a participant in squash history—it is, and continues to be, a force to be reckoned with. The roar of the crowd, the gleaming glass courts, and the elite performances all pointed to one conclusion: squash has truly come home.

With the success of both the U23 World Championship and the Rich Venus PSA Gold Open, Pakistan has reclaimed its place on the global squash map. The combination of elite talent, world-class infrastructure, and a supportive environment signals a new era—one where Pakistan’s legacy in squash is not just remembered but actively built upon.