ISLAMABAD, March 12: Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat on Friday emphasized again that Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) was doing everything it could for the good of the game and it was ultimately up to the players to achieve results.
"We are doing a national duty and we have no personal interests," the squash boss told journalists after signing a lucrative sponsorship deal with Pakistan International Airlines for this August's World Junior Men's Championship.
"We are doing a job that has been assigned to us and have taken a number of steps for the promotion of squash," he said while pointing out that upgradation of infrastructure at various centres was one such step.
The PSF is also working on creating new facilities with the Mushaf Squash Complex in Islamabad, one of its major projects. The complex being built at a cost of Rs 50 million is to host the World Junior Championship from Aug 17.
While praising the junior players he said he was pinning high hopes on them especially Farhan Mahboob. "The juniors have been doing well but not the seniors."
"Both Shahid (Zaman) and Farrukh (Zaman) have the talent to improve if they follow their coach's advice." The duo is among the senior lot.
Meanwhile Ch. Ahmed Saeed, chairman of the PIApromised blanket support to the PSF after signing a title sponsorship deal for this year's World Junior Championship.
"We are patronising not just squash but other sports also but this time we set aside a special budget for squash," he said.
Also present at the signing ceremony in Chaklala was the senior vice president of PSF, Air Marshal Rashid Kaleem, secretary Wng. Cdr Sajid Waheed and Andrew Shelly, a representative of World Squash Federation.
Andrew, who inspected the facilities in Islamabad on Friday, was impressed. "Pakistan can stage any size of championship at these venues and it will be a great pleasure for anyone coming to compete here."
"Pakistan is the home of squash and have previously organized big tournaments including the World Open, they are doing a great job," said Andrew who is also technical director for championship.
