ISLAMABAD: After terming the use of drugs to enhance performance unethical, the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) on Thursday directed provincial squash associations and affiliated departments to strictly follow the instructions issued by Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) in line with World Anti Doing Agency (WADA).

The PSF said doping damages the reputation of sport, attacks integrity of professionals and also maligns the image of a nation in the world.

“As part of campaign to raise awareness about Anti-Doping amongst athletes, pursuant to directives from Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) & Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), the PSF has also directed provincial squash associations & affiliated departments to strictly follow the instructions issued by POA in line with WADA Codes,” read a press release issued by PSF.

It said that all affiliated members have also been directed to educate their respective players on the doping rules, regulations and to follow them in true letter and spirit to avoid any embarrassment during participation in major international squash events.

The press release said that PSF would continue to pursue its members to ensure compliance of government directives on doping rules in the best interest of national cause.

It is relevant to note here that in the last edition of South Asian Games held in Nepal, three Pakistani Athletes tested positive. Whereas PSB, POA and sports federations have been making efforts to provide maximum awareness to players to avoid usage of things prohibited by WADA.

Recently, PSB’s policy board also decided to form national anti-doping governing board to foster doping-free sports culture in the country.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2020