ISLAMABAD: The trophy unveiling of the 12th Chief of Naval Staff International Squash Championship was held during an impressive ceremony here at Mushaf Squash Complex, Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday.
Cdr Khalid Pervez SI (M), Commander North along with Secretary Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) Group Captain Aamir Nawaz unveiled the trophy.
The five-day championship that began on Saturday will conclude on October 22.
Talking to media on the occasion, Khalid Pervez said that it was a matter of great pride for Pakistan Navy to hold the event. “Pakistan Navy, besides its primary mission of protecting sea frontiers of the country is vigorously discharging its civic responsibilities, may it be in the field of education, social welfare or promotion of sports,” he said.
He said over the years Pakistan Navy had contributed significantly for the promotion of squash in the country.
“The first Chief of Naval Staff International Squash Tournament was conducted in 2000 with a prize money of $6000. Since then, the event has been taking place at Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan and Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in Karachi. This is the first time we are conducting this mega event in Islamabad”, he added.
This year the tournament prize money has also been increased as it carries a prize purse of $25000. Besides Pakistan, players from Egypt, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Holland, Jamaica, Wales, UAE and Jordan are featuring in the event. A total of 48 players, including 15 international ranking foreign players are participating in the event, which is comprised of three rounds.
Khalid said the championship would provide a great entertainment to squash enthusiasts adding that it would also help bring more international squash events to Pakistan.
“It will be an opportunity for squash lovers to witness quality game,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion Secretary PSF expressed the hope that Pakistan players would perform better in this event as compared to the last one, the Chief of Army Staff Squash Championship that concluded early this month. Pakistan players remained unable to make it to the final of that event.
