Foreign players, officials receive warm welcome at reception

Islamabad : Guests, mostly foreign players and delegates were among the gathering as Serena Hotels and Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) hosted a dinner reception where speakers highlighted efforts put in to make CAS International a real success.

Speaking on the occasion Air Marshal Irfan Ahmad hoped that foreign players (men and women) visiting the CAS Open would be a big benefit for their professional careers. “The CAS Squash will help foreigners and local players hone their skills and earn a name for themselves and their country. You always get experience and exposure by playing in the company of some leading names. It is encouraging to see foreign players turning up in numbers to compete in the event. Local youngsters will be a good opportunity to learn the art of the game.”

He called on the foreign players to take time out for sightseeing in a city that offers numerous attractions to visitors. “Competing in the CAS Open is the main cause but I would suggest that these visiting men and women players should take time out for sight-seeing.”

He hoped that foreign players would take along some good memories. “When you compete in such events you always develop new friendships and develop some good memories. As a host country, we always welcome foreigners and try to make their stay comfortable. The PSF has always proved a good host.”

Air Cdr (r) Aamir Nawaz and Hina Nazir (Serena Hotels) earlier welcomed the gathering that included senior officials from Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Ministry of Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC), Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) and PSF were also present.

Besides Air-Vice Marshal Kazim Hammad (Senior Vice President PSF), former British Open champion Qamar Zaman and 1994 Hockey World Cup captain Shahbaz Ahmad Senior were also there at the gathering. “These are legends of the game. They served the country in the best possible way and brought laurels and glory to the nation,” Air Marshal Irfan Ahmad.

Air Cdr (r) Aamir Nawaz highlighted salient features of the event, maintaining that 23 foreign men and women players besides other officials are in the capital for the prestigious event. “We have received encouraging response as some leading men and women players from four leading countries are in Islamabad for the event.”