KARACHI, Nov 23: Pakistan has chalked out plans to host seven international-level squash tournaments in the next calendar year, an official said.

“As part of our uplifting the game and to create an environment of competition in Pakistan we have chalked out plans to host seven international events next year,”

Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) secretary Squadron Leader Sajid Waheed told SADA. Pakistan, once a major force in international squash, is lagging behind owing to mediocre performances by the players.

“The main event would be the Pakistan Open which carries a prize money of $100,000 and is to be held under the auspices of the Punjab Squash Association,” Waheed said.

The Pakistan Open was originally scheduled to be held this month but had to be put off owing to security fears in Pakistan following the war in Afghanistan.

“Besides the Pakistan Open, the Punjab is also to host a circuit event carrying a prize money of $25,000.

“The Pakistan Air Force will sponsor one event while the Pakistan Navy and the Pakistan Army are expected to support the rest,” he said.

Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Wah Cantt will be the likely venues of the remaining events.

When asked about the event schedules, Waheed said that the PSF would decide these after the South Asian Federation Games in March next year.

“Hopefully, the SAF Games will determine how international players respond to events in Pakistan and then we will decide on the full schedule of the events.”

The PSF secretary confirmed that former Pakistan player Mohammad Yasin Khan could take over as senior coach. “We have been trying to contact him in England. Everyone has approved his name as senior coach.

Rehmat Khan will remain the junior coach.” Pakistan finished eleventh in last month’s World Team Championship under the coaching of Aftab Javed.— SADA