ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has made all the arrangements to host Serena Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship commencing from October 18 here at Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex.
Talking to The Nation, PSF secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz said: “Maintenance and up-gradation work of all the squash courts have been completed, while paint for main court would be airlifted from Germany in a day or two. I am very satisfied with the progress of work and I am grateful to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, as without his personal interest and all-out support, it would not have been possible for us to conduct the $25,000 event under tight financial conditions.”
He said: “Eight top international players including world number 28 Egyptian Omer Abdel Meguid, who is also number 1 seed in this event, have confirmed their entries. Five of them have been put in the main draw, two of them would play in the qualifiers and one is put on reserves. It is a great opportunity for our players to show the world their talent. Nasir Iqbal is No 2 seed, Farhan Zaman is No 3, Danish No 4, Abdulla Al Tamimi No 5, Peter Creed No 6, Ammar Al Tamimi No 7, Aamir Atlas No 8, Adil Maqbool No 9, while we have given wild card to veteran Farhan Mehboob, who is the dark horse and could cause major upsets in the event.”
“It will also provide us opportunity to show the world how loving and caring people we are and there is absolutely no issue of security or threat to any visitor. We are quite fortunate that former world squash champion Geoff Hunt is coming to Pakistan with his player and we will host him very well. Hunt’s presence will be a great boost to Pakistan squash, as he would certainly present real picture of the country to the world. We will certainly take on board our living legends Qamar Zaman, Jahanghir Khan, Jansher Khan and others,” he added.
Speaking about Pakistan chances in the event, Amir said: “I strongly believe one of our players will play the final. Two or three players will inline for a place in the semis. I know the competition will be very tough considering the fact some of the elite group of the PSA players will be seen in action, but our players also have potential and they can make their presence feel. We will start training camp in Islamabad for our top 10 players under the command of head coach Jamshed Gul Khan and assistant coach Faheem Gul and other top professional coaches of the country.”
He stated: “Internationally renowned Faheem Gul is the head of the referees for the event, while some high-profile referees will conduct the event. We have made excellent arrangements for all the visitors and try to provide them best available facilities.”
“We are expecting Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt to grace the final as chief guest, while Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada will also be on board. We are also thankful to Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for providing accommodation to the players during qualifying round. It is my request to the PSB DG to ensure proper cleanliness. I hope the PSB will finish the cleanliness work well before the start of the vent and ensure the drive will continue even after the event,” Amir concluded.