After football, international squash comes to Pakistan
July 11, 2017
KARACHI: In an attempt to revive international squash activities in Pakistan, the Pakistan Squash Federation is conducting first of its kind mega squash series between Pakistan vs World-V, in which top squash players from different countries will participate.
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 in Islamabad.
According to PSF spokesman, the Pakistan Vs World-V series would be held from July 12–13 and Pakistan vs Egypt series from July 15–16.
“Potential players from England, France, Hong Kong and USA would also be seen in action next week in Pakistan vs World-V Series,” said the spokesman while revealing details on the series.
The spokesman further added that 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 during October last year.
“Besides playing their exhibition matches they would also play friendly matches with our junior players,” the spokesman added.
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.
On the first day of Pakistan vs World-V, Pakistan’s Farhan Zaman will take on Leo Au while Israr Ahmed will meet Todd Harrity.
On the second day, Pakistan’s Ahsan Ayaz will meet Lucas Serme; Amaad Fareed will meet Nathan Lake and Farhan Mahboob will play Karim Al Fathi.
The Egyptian squad for series against Pakistan include World No. 2 Karim Abdel Gawad, World No. 15 Mohamed Aboulghar, World No. 22 Zahed Mohamed, World No. 28 Omar Mosaad and World No. 54 Mazen Hesham.
The PSF says it hopes to attain multiple gains from this mega squash activity.
“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,” said the spokesman.
