PESHAWAR: Former world champion and vice-president of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Qamar Zaman has said many squash players are unable to continue their game due to lack of squash courts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said this while distributing squash racquets among male and female position holders on behalf of Peshawar nazim Arbab Asim.

Representative of Peshawar Sports and Culture District Dr Inam and Haji Sher Bahadar were present on the occasion.

Qamar said there was lot of talent in the province which was evident from the fact that three of the four selected players for the World Junior Open in New Zealand were from KP.

He thanked the nazim for giving Rs500,000 to the KP Squash Association for holding the National Junior Girls Squash Championship and two tournaments for boys and girls and purchase of squash racquets.

The former world champion disclosed that KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak approved a grant of Rs100 million for the construction of six squash courts alongside a modern day gymnasium and a hostel for 100 players in the premises of Peshawar Sports Complex.

He added that the courts will be ready in December this year and will benefit more players.

Qamar further said the chief minister also approved a grant of Rs20 million for the construction of glass court in the University of Peshawar premises.

Earlier, Dr Inam and Qamar gave racquets to Saif Ullah Khan, Ali Sher, M. Hamza, Asad Ullah, Ammad Khan, Khushal Riaz, Laiba Ijaz, Sana Sher, Maira Khan, Naima Khalid, Zohra and Kalsoom.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2017