PSF is conducting first of its kind mega squash series between Pakistan
APP
PESHAWAR
Squash Legends Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan Thursday termed two mega events – World-V and Pakistan-Egypt Squash Series – would benefit Pakistani players and a key for revival of international squash and other international sports to Pakistan.
Talking to APP, squash legends Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan paid rich tribute to President PSF Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force for taking key steps for the revival of international squash activities in Pakistan.
They said that PSF is conducting first of its kind mega squash series between Pakistan and World-V players wherein top squash players from different countries will participate. They also lauded the role of Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi, SVP, PSF and Secretary General Wing Commander Tahir Sultan for their dedicated efforts they have made for the success of the two Mega squash events.
Known as stroke master in the world of squash Qamar Zaman and squash wizard Jansher Khan also congratulated the whole nation for such a big success of Pakistan which certainly portrayed a good name to the motherland.
Potential players from England, France, Hong Kong and USA are here in action, giving tough time to top players from Pakistan. 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. Players included in World-V team, are 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.
Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan expressed their hopes to attain multiple gains from this mega squash activity. The events, they said, would not only project softer and safe image of Pakistan to lure international bodies to reinstate Pakistan’s due share of international tournaments, but also provide optimum exposure to the junior players, who are proceeding for World Junior Individual Championship at Tauranga (New Zealand) later this month.
Jansher Khan is a former World No. 1 professional squash player, winning World Open a record eight times, and the British Open six times, said that moment of moral and victory against militancy by achieving normalcy are today our national asset, which shall ever remain in the annals of history as shining example for all generations to come.
“Through this way certainly we are giving a message to the enemy that their nefarious design about Pakistan would not be succeeded and now doors are opening up for international squash,” they said.
Jansher, who officially announced his retirement from squash in 2001, has the honor of winning a total of 99 professional titles and was ranked the World No. 1 for over 10 years, said: “to me it is the moment of pride and pleasure that we are inviting foreign players to play against our top players.
“We proud our armed forces who gave unmatched sacrifices only to defend the motherland and to protect the lives and property of people of Pakistan who can take a breath as free and sovereign nation of the world,” Qamar added.
Both Qamar Zaman and Jansher Khan appreciated the people of Pakistan who stand united against terrorism, hand in hand with the armed forces, civil and military security, law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Former World Champion Qamar Zaman who also remained 11 times World No. 2, said, in the successful Zarb-e-Azb operation by Pakistan Army has proved that any kind of threat posed to country’s security and existence will be thwarted with bravery and courage.
“We salute the jawans, officers, officials of the security forces, police who laid their lives in the line of duty and also salute those jawans who got injured during the war against terrorism,” they said.
