: World Under-23 squash champion Noor Zaman and Pakistan women’s cricket captain Fatima Sana will jointly carry Pakistan’s national flag during the opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for September 19 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Japan. The Games will run from September 19 to October 4.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also confirmed that Fatima Sana will serve as one of Pakistan’s flag bearers alongside squash player Noor Zaman at the September 19 opening ceremony.
Noor Zaman, the grandson of former world squash champion Qamar Zaman, described the opportunity to carry Pakistan’s flag as an honour and thanked the Pakistan Olympic Association for the nomination.
Speaking to Express, Noor Zaman said the Pakistan squash team had undergone extensive preparation under national coach Faheem Gul. He expressed confidence in the team’s preparations ahead of the Asian Games.
Pakistan Squash Team Heads to Japan
Pakistan’s men’s squash team comprises Muhammad Hamza Khan, Muhammad Ashab Irfan, Nasir Iqbal and Noor Zaman.
The women’s squad includes Peshawar-based sisters Mahnur Ali, Sehrish Ali and Mahwish Ali, along with Sana Bahadur, who is hearing- and speech-impaired.
The delegation will be accompanied by Pakistan Squash Federation Secretary Aamir Nawaz, team leader Sher Bahadur and coach Faheem Gul.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are expected to bring together athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions, with around 17,000 participants across 43 sports and 469 medal events.
The opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 19, at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.