Two Pak teams named for int’l squash events

ISLAMABAD: Following days of trials and assessment, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) named two set of teams (men and women) to compete in the Asian Team Championship (Korea) and later in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia.

Group Captain Tahir Sultan, secretary PSF confirmed to The News that trials were earlier delayed in an effort to get Farhan Mehboob fit and ready. “Trials were earlier set to be held in January but were delayed for February following a request received from Farhan Mehboob. However, he did not even turn up for February trials leaving us with the available lot.” In another development top lady Maria Toor has opted out of the Asian Team Squash citing injury as the reason. However, she looks keen to be part of the Commonwealth Games. The News has learnt that Maria’s injury is not that serious and can still make it to the Asian meet.

“We were told by Maria, she also needs rest and wants to skip the Asian Team Championship,” secretary PSF said.The Asian Meet is set to start in Korea between March 21–25 and Commonwealth Games is to be held between 5 – 15 April, 2018 in Australia. Four-member team for Asian Championship is Farhan Zaman, Tayyab Aslam, Amaad Fareed and Muhammad Asim Khan. Pakistan women team for the meet includes Madina Zafar, Sadia Gul, Faiza Zafar and Riffat Khan. For Commonwealth Games in Australia, Farhan Zaman, Tayyab Aslam (men), Maria Toor and Madina Zafar (women) have been selected to represent Pakistan.

The camp for the selected lot has already started at the Mushaf Ali Mir Complex where the team would be trained till the departure. Considering strength of team in the Commonwealth Games Pakistan stands with remote chances of winning any medals. In Asian Championship, chances of making it to the victory stand are good in men’s team event. All depends on Farhan and Tayyab’s fitness and form.