ISLAMABAD: For the revival of international squash activities in Pakistan, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) is conducting first of its kind mega squash series between Pakistan and World-V, in which top players from different countries will participate.
The inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan vs World-V Series was held today at Mushaf Ali Mir squash complex, Islamabad.
Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, who is also the president of the PSF,was the chief guest at the occasion.
Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi, Senior Vice President, PSF, former squash legends Jansher Khan and Qamar Zaman were also present at the occasion.
Two matches were played on Tuesday.
In the first match of Pakistan vs World-V, Hong Kong’s Leo Au beat Pakistan’s Farhan Zaman while Pakistan’s Israr Ahmed beat USA’s Todd Harrity.
In the second match of the day, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, chief of the Air Staff, PAF, awarded trophies to the winners and runners up of the tournament.
The two-day Pakistan vs World-V series will be followed by another edition of Pakistan vs Egypt squash series at the Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex, Islamabad.
The Pakistan vs World-V series would be held on July 12-13 and Pakistan vs Egypt series on July 15–16.
Potential players from England, France, Hong Kong and USA would also be seen in action. Karim Abdel Gawad who was World No. 1 last month is also featuring in Pakistan Vs Egypt squash series along with Omar Moosad who remained at No. 3 in October last year.
Players included in World-V team, which will be lined up against Pakistan’s squad, include World No. 33 Leo Au from Hong Kong, World No. 35 Karim Ali Fathi from Egypt, World No. 44 Lucas Serme from France, World No. 51 Todd Harrity and World No. 53 Nathan Lake from England.
PSF hopes to attain multiple gains from this mega squash activity.
PSF added “This would not only project soft and safe image of Pakistan to lure international bodies to reinstate Pakistan’s due share of international tournaments but also provide optimum exposure to our junior players, who are proceeding for World Junior Individual Championship at Tauranga (New Zealand) later this July”.
Detailed results of these matches are as under:
Leo Au (HK) beat Farhan Zaman (Pak)15/13, 11/8, 11/9
Israr Ahmed (Pak) beat T odd Harrity (USA)11/7, 11/6, 4/11, 12/10