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KARACHI: The COMBAXX-Roshan Khan National Squash Team Championship kicked off here at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex but the absence of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) squash team caused a significant disruption to the tournament draw.
According to the tournament organisers, the PAF team, despite submitting an entry for the event, failed to appear at the venue without any prior notice or communication.
This unexpected “no-show” left players and organisers deeply disappointed, and raised questions about the team’s commitment to the sport.
“This unexpected absence by the PAF team has caused a significant disruption to the tournament draw, and we are extremely disappointed by their unprofessional conduct,” said a spokesperson for the tournament organisers.
Meanwhile, the matches began with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) defeating Punjab 3-0 in the men’s category. Asim Khan beat Asher Butt, Tayyab Aslam downed Khaqan Malik and Amaad Fareed got the better of Shoaib Hassan.
In other men’s matches, Army defeated Navy 3-0, with Huzaifa Ibrahim beating SL Sardar Hussain, Sadam Ul Haq overpowering Lt Cdr Syed Saad and Anas Ali Shah cruising past SL Huzaifa.
Wapda emerged victorious in their clash against Balochistan 3-0, with Noor Zaman getting the victory over Abdul Waqar Khan, who retired while being two games down. Veteran Nasir Iqbal routed Asmat Ullah while Farhan Mehboob completed the sweep with a comfortable win over Nasrullah.
In the women’s category, Punjab won their clash against Balochistan 3-0. Rushna Mehboob registered a crushing victory against Abresh Gul Durrani while Ayesha Shahbaz ensured win with a thumping win over Hudaisa Saleem. Fajar Noor maintained their perfect record with a win against Sidra Raza.
Army defeated Sindh 3-0 as Faiza Zaffar, Zaynab Hameed and Maryam Malik recorded easy wins. Wapda also had a convincing 3-0 win over Balochistan, with Mehwish, Komal Khan and Noor ul Ain winning their matches in dominant fashion.
Sindh, meanwhile, received a walkover against PAF.
Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2024
