Injured squash star Maria out of C’wealth Games

ISLAMABAD: Maria Toorpakai has been ruled out of the forthcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games due to ankle injury leaving Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) with no other option but to include reserve player in her place.

Group Captain Tahir Sultan, secretary PSF confirmed that Maria had been ruled out of the Games due to injury. “Maria who is in Canada these days have communicated that she would not be hundred percent fit to compete in the event and as such has decided to opt out of the Games. She has been the mainstay for the country in women event considering her rankings. Her decision to opt out of the Games on medical ground indeed is a big blow to Pakistan chances in the event,” PSF secretary said. He said that reserve player Faiza Zafar would now be accompanying Madina Zafar for the Games.

“Maria has sent her medical certificate citing ankle problem as the reason for her decision to bow out of the Championship. We now have included the first reserve Faiza in place of Maria in the team for the Games.” The secretary PSF has also lamented Sadia Gul’s attitude as she failed to respond to the repeated calls from the federation. “She hasn’t responded to the PSF despite being one of the leading contenders for a place on the national women teams for Korean Asian Meet and Commonwealth Games.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan men and women squash teams are leaving on Saturday for Korea to compete in the Asian Championship starting from March 21. Men team includes Farhan Zaman, Tayyab Aslam, Ammad Fareed and Asem Khan while women team consists of Madina Zafar, Faiza Zafar and Riffat Khan. Pakistan men team has been placed in Group B that includes Korea, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Malaysia and Hong Kong are other leading teams in the competition. India has already opted out of the tournament because of federation and players infighting.

Pakistan women team has been placed along with Hong Kong, Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Though Pakistan has remote chances of making impact in the women event, considering draws men team is expected to bring medals for the country. Farhan Zaman and Tayyab Aslam are to carry Pakistan fortunes in men event in Commonwealth Games where apart from singles doubles event would also be contested.

Meanwhile Director General Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Aamir Ali Ahmad has stressed on the Asian Squash Championship bound teams to bring in their best while maintaining discipline during their forthcoming tour to Korea.

Aamir Ali Ahmad who was introduced with the men and women teams leaving for Korea on Saturday called on the players to act as true ambassadors of the country. “You are representing your country and as such your every act would be closely watched. You must maintain discipline and put in your best efforts to win laurels for the country.”

Aamir Ahmad Ali who was introduced with players by secretary Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Group Captain Tahir Sultan, promised to provide all possible support to squash players. “I promise you that you would be looked after by PSB in your efforts to win international medals for the country.”