ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) is expecting better performance from the national players in the upcoming Asian Squash Championship and the Commonwealth Games, as trials to select teams for these events are underway here at the Mushaf Squash Complex.

Nine male and as many female players are participating in the trials -- being organised for both the events -- which conclude on Friday.

“We are providing best facilities to these players [at the trials]. Therefore [naturally], we hope they would produce better results in both the events,” said PSF secretary Tahir Sultan.

Farhan Mehboob, Pakistan’s top international ranked player, is not featuring in the trials due to medical reasons and therefore will not be considered for selection for the said events.

Though Maria Toor, the country’s top-ranked female player, is taking part in the trials but because of an ankle injury she is unlikely to be available for the Asian Championship.

“Today, Maria informed the PSF that because of her ankle problem it is likely that she would not be available for the Asian Championship. However, she is yet to take a final decision on this,” the secretary PSF said, adding if Maria could not compete in the Asian Championship, she would surely be available for the Commonwealth Games.

The Asian Squash Team Championship for men and women will be played in Korea from March 21 to 25.

Pakistan will be taking part in both men and women events of the continental championship after which the contingent would also participate in the Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia from April 4 to 15.

“We will select four male and as many female players for the Asian Championship; from them two male and two female players will be picked for the Commonwealth Games,” the PSF official said.

Players at trials:

Men: Israr Ahmed, Amaad Fareed, Tayyab Aslam, Asim Khan, Farhan Zaman, Mehran Javed, Kashif Asif, Mansoor Zaman, Abbas Zeb.

Women: Sadia Gul, Faiza Zafar, Zoya Khalid, Maria Toor, Saima Shaukat, Riffat Khan, Madina Zafar, Komal, Aiman Shahbaz

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2018