Pakistan awarded 2015 Squash World Cup

KARACHI: 

In a major development yesterday, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) was awarded the hosting rights of the 2015 World Cup after successfully conducting the recently-concluded Asian Championship in Islamabad.

The federation had provided full-proof security and top-class facilities during the Asian event as the country moved one step closer to reviving international sports in the country.

“It’s a big achievement for us,” PSF Senior Vice-President Razi Nawab, also the Asian Squash Federation vice-president, told The Express Tribune. “Our efforts are bearing fruit. This is a good sign because Pakistan has already suffered a lot during the last few years.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Asian Squash Federation for giving us the honour.”

Razi said this was a monumental breakthrough for Pakistan in its efforts of reviving international sports in the country.

“I’m delighted we’ve been given an opportunity to organise an event of this magnitude. We’re fully capable of ensuring a flawless event.”

Aamir pleads to the PSF

Meanwhile, as the PSF prepares to finalise its four-member team for the World Team Championship that starts next month, Asian champion Aamir Atlas Khan hoped he would be considered for the mega event.

Aamir had to be exempted from the trials the PSF conducted in order to finalise the team for the world championship. The federation had also strictly told the players that the trials would be the criterion to finalise the squad and no exemption would be given to anyone.

However, Aamir, who has been nursing an injury and left for Peshawar as the trials commenced, said he had been working on strengthening his muscles so that he was ready in case the PSF came calling at the last moment.

“I’ll be more than happy to represent Pakistan if the PSF decides to select me,” said Aamir. “After winning the Asian title, I was hoping to be treated well by the federation but that didn’t happen. The PSF has an option to send a five-member team according to the new rules, so let’s see whether they include me or not.”

He complained that his ‘genuine’ case was overlooked by the PSF despite knowing that he was advised rest and only undergo light training ahead.

“I’m fresh and raring to go but it all depends on what the PSF wants. I request PSF President Tahir Rafique Butt and senior vice president to look into my case once again before naming the squad.”

Tayyab, Saqib to play decider for fourth spot

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Sheikh Saqib and Tayyab Aslam will play a decider in the trials for the fourth place today at the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad.

After three days of trials, Farhan Mehboob, Farhan Zaman and Nasir Iqbal had sealed their berths and the only available slot will be decided between the two youngsters.

‘PSF’s decision for trials proven right’

PSF Secretary Abdul Wahab Marwat, who will accompany the team as manager for the World Team Championship, said the emergence of youngsters Tayyab and Saqib as contenders has justified the federation’s decision to hold the trials.

“Our decision has proved right because Tayyab stunned Danish earlier in trials,” said Marwat. “He has shown good form in these trials despite being inexperienced and so has Saqib which is a positive sign for us.”

The official added that they would have liked a fully-fit Aamir to be included in the squad, terming his experience vital but he did not appear in the trials.