KARACHI: The Venus ABC Open International Squash Championship, organised by the Sindh Squash Association, begins in Karachi on Wednesday, with 48 male and female players from 12 countries competing for a total prize purse of US$82,000.

All arrangements have been completed here at the Asif Nawaz Squash Complex at the Defence Authority Creek Club, and a large number of foreign players have already arrived in the city.

England’s Curtis Malik, ranked 25th in the world, will lead the men’s draw, while compatriot Lucy Turmel, ranked 27th, will be the top seed in the women’s section.

Players from Egypt, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, England, Singapore, the Netherlands and Pakistan will feature in the five-day event, with the final scheduled for Oct 25.

Mohammad Asim Khan, Nasir Iqbal, Abdullah Nawaz, Saeed Abdul, Azan Ali Khan, Abdul Basit Khan and Anas Shah will represent Pakistan in the men’s draw. In the women’s draw, Sana Bahadur, Anam Aziz and Rushna Mehboob will carry Pakistan’s hopes.

Speaking at a press conference, former world champion Jahangir Khan welcomed the organisation of international squash competitions in Pakistan and said Pakistani players should deliver their best performances to improve their world rankings and gain further opportunities on the international stage.

Sindh Squash Association president Adnan Asad said more major squash tournaments would be organised in Pakistan in the near future and that it was now up to Pakistani players to make the most of the opportunities available.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2026