The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship main round will be start from Oct 20,
Players from Egypt, Wales, Austria, UAE, Qatar, Jordan , Kuwait Pakistan participating in the tournament.
By;Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD – The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2014 in collaboration with Serena Hotels-Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)start at Mushaf Ali Mir Squash Complex .
PSF secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz talking to media said that Pakistan is safe for of sports events.”“Negative warning regarding traveling to Pakistan was issued, but now things are changed. I still believe things were quite perfect in 2007 as far as security was concerned, but the PSA had other ideas. Now we are looking forward to host not only this event but also other attractive events too. The day is not far when we will be conducting Pakistan Open once again with $150,000 prize money on offer,” he believed.“I want to say a big thanks to Serena Hotels for lending a helping hand to the federation at a time of dire need. I am also very thankful to PSF president Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt to remain instrumental in helping the federation in time of need. I would also like to thank SVP Razi Nawab and Qamar Zaman, who presented Pakistan case very strongly and managed to convince the PSA to allocate this event,” PSF secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz added.“We have made internationally renowned Faheem Gul as head of the tournament, while he would be assisted by four international and eight local referees. It was quite unfortunate till 2007, as we were regularly hosting $25,000 international events and international players participated wholeheartedly, but due to uncertain security situation, the PSA froze international players’ participation and reduced the prize money from $25,000 to $10,000 with international players were barred from taking part in it
“We are also grateful to the CAA, who also helped out the federation and became co-sponsors. We have made excellent security arrangements and let me assure all, we will leave no stone UN turned and ensure everything will run smoothly. We want to ensure all the guests that they will enjoy hospitality and take memories to cherish with them. The successful conduct of the event will open floodgates and help revive international sports here,” he added. PSF secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz said that : “The local players have bright chances of winning the title. We have provided best available facilities to our players and I am quite confident they are more than capable of lifting the crystal trophy.”Mean while the General Manager Serena Hotels Michel G Galpin said: “When the PSF comes up with the proposal of joining hands in the championship, we immediately decided to on board, as we strongly believe sports have no boundaries. We have also help in conducting polo and golf events in the past and looking forward to expand our partnership to other sports as well.”
Former member of Pakistan winner world team ,Zarak Jahan Khan lauded Serna Hotels for coming forward and termed their role as a step in the right direction. “It will give squash a new lease of life. I urge others to come forward and join hands with PSF to take this noble cause of reviving Pakistan squash.”The championship start qualifying round today (Oct 18-19) whereas the main round will be played from Oct 20-23, besides Pakistan international players from Egypt, Wales, Austria, UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait would also be participating in the tournament