ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal delivered a dominant performance to win the Jansher Khan BARD-Markhor Challenger Squash Tournament 2026, defeating Anas Ali Shah in straight games at the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.
The four-day championship, held from July 22 to 26 at the Jinnah Sports Complex, brought together leading squash players from across Pakistan and provided emerging athletes with an opportunity to compete in a professional tournament environment.
Nasir controlled the final from the opening game and completed a convincing 3-0 victory in just 15 minutes.
He defeated Anas Ali Shah 11-1, 11-3, 11-2 to secure the tournament title after a composed and commanding display.
The tournament was sponsored by the Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood Foundation, commonly known as the BARD Foundation, and the Markhor Squash Foundation. It was organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Squash Federation and the Professional Squash Association.
The championship was staged in honour of former world champion Jansher Khan, one of the most successful players in squash history and a central figure in Pakistan’s dominance of the sport.
Organisers said the event was designed not only to celebrate Jansher Khan’s legacy but also to give young players competitive exposure, professional experience and a clearer pathway towards international squash.
Jansher Khan Attends Closing Ceremony
Jansher Khan attended the closing ceremony alongside senior officials from the Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Squash Federation and Professional Squash Association.
Trophies and cash prizes were distributed among the finalists and other leading performers at the conclusion of the championship.
BARD Foundation President Abdul Razak Dawood said the tournament demonstrated the depth of squash talent available in Pakistan.
He said Jansher Khan’s achievements, including multiple World Championship and British Open titles and his rise to the world number one ranking, continued to inspire young athletes.
“Tournaments like these provide invaluable opportunities for emerging players to learn, compete and grow,” Dawood said.
He added that the foundation remained committed to supporting Pakistan’s sporting development through cooperation between public institutions and private organisations.
Markhor Squash Foundation Chief Executive Officer Hussain T. Hasan said the organisation viewed the event as a long-term investment in Pakistan’s next generation of squash players.
He said sustained coaching, structured development programmes and stronger partnerships were required to help talented local players compete successfully at the international level.
The tournament also highlighted renewed efforts by sports organisations and private foundations to revive Pakistan’s historic position in world squash.
Pakistan once dominated the international game through players including Jahangir Khan and Jansher Khan, but the country has struggled in recent years to consistently produce players capable of challenging at the highest level.
Organisers said more professional tournaments, better coaching structures and regular competitive opportunities would be essential for rebuilding that pipeline.
Nasir Iqbal’s emphatic victory in Islamabad added another major domestic title to his record and reinforced his position among Pakistan’s leading squash players.
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