Ashab Irfan wins third medal for Pakistan at the Asian Games

Pakistan’s Ashab Irfan secured the country’s third medal at the ongoing Asian Games after winning bronze in the men’s singles squash competition on Saturday.

Ashab’s medal was confirmed after he lost 3-0 to India’s Abhay Singh in the semi-final. As both losing semi-finalists are awarded bronze medals, the defeat ensured Pakistan a place on the podium.

The fifth-seeded Pakistani had reached the last four with an impressive 3-1 victory over India’s fourth-seeded Veer Chotrani in the quarter-final. After losing the opening game 6-11, Ashab fought back strongly to win the next three games 11-8, 11-6 and 11-6.

His victory had also avenged Pakistan’s defeat to India in the men’s team final at the previous Asian Games.

Ashab and fellow Pakistani Noor Zaman had earlier reached the semi-finals, marking the first time since 2002 that two Pakistani players advanced to the men’s singles semi-finals at the Asian Games.

However, Noor’s semi-final result means Ashab’s bronze remains Pakistan’s third medal of the Games, with all three medals coming in bronze.

Pakistan’s mixed doubles squash pair Asim Khan and Mehwish Ali had also reached the quarter-finals before losing to Hong Kong’s Cheuk Nam Lai and Yee Lam Toby Tse 11-6, 11-7.

The country’s other athletes faced mixed fortunes, with Pakistan’s men’s foil team, swimmers, badminton players and pole vaulter all failing to progress in their respective events.