ISLAMABAD: In a major breakthrough vis-à-vis revival of international squash in the country, nine internationals players have confirmed their participations in the Chief of Air Staff International Squash championship slated to be held here next month.

The mega event carrying $25000 prize money is slated to be held from Oct 18 to 23 here at the Mushaf Ali Squash Complex, Jinnah Stadium.

“Yes, nine international players have confirmed their participations and we are very happy as next month we are going to see revival of international squash in the country,” maintained Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz while talking to Dawn.

The PSF secretary said that it will be the first mega event in the country since 2008 as Pakistan due to deteriorating law and order situation was banned from holding international events for almost six years.

The Professional Squash Association after lifting the ban in April this year allotted the tournament to Pakistan.

Amir said that Squash legend Geoff Hunt is also likely to visit Pakistan to witness the mega event, adding that Hunt, who is currently coaching Qatari player Abdullah Mohd Al Tamimi, is likely to accompany Abdullah Tamimi.

“In response to Hunt’s request, we have provided him necessary letters for traveling. I hope he will come next month,” remarked the PSF secretary.

Hunt was ranked world No. 1 from 1975 to 1980 besides being four-time World Open champion.

Players participating in the event:

Omar Abdel Meguid (Egypt), Nasir Iqbal (Pakistan), Farhan Zaman (Pakistan), Ahmed Al Siraj (Jordan), Amir Malik (UAE), Abbas Maniar (US, reserve), Danish Atlas Khan (Pakistan), Jon Koukal (Czech Republic), Abdullah Mohd Al Tamimi (Qatar), Peter Creed (Wales) Ammar Altamimi (Kuwait), Amir Atlas Khan (Pakistan), Aqeel Rehman (Austria) Tayyab Aslam (Pakistan) and Farhan Mehboob (Pakistan).

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014