48 male and female players from 12 countries to compete; total prize money set at US$82,000
KARACHI (Sports Reporter): The Venus ABC Open International Squash Championship, organised by the Sindh Squash Association, will begin in Karachi today (Wednesday).
All arrangements for the five-day tournament have been completed at the Asif Nawaz Squash Complex at the Defence Authority Creek Club. A large number of foreign players have also arrived in Karachi to participate in the championship.
Former world squash champion Jahangir Khan and Sindh Squash Association President Adnan Asad briefed the media at a press conference, providing details of the tournament.
They said 48 male and female players from 12 countries will compete in the championship. Players from Egypt, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, England, Singapore, the Netherlands and Pakistan will showcase their skills.
The tournament carries total prize money of US$82,000, while the final is scheduled to be played on October 25.
Speaking at the press conference, former world champion Jahangir Khan welcomed the organisation of international squash events in Pakistan.
He urged Pakistani players to give their best performances in the championship to improve their world rankings and secure further opportunities to demonstrate their abilities on the international stage.
Sindh Squash Association President Adnan Asad said more major squash tournaments would be organised in Pakistan in the near future.
He said it was now up to Pakistani players to demonstrate their abilities in international competitions and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Adnan Asad expressed hope that the championship would help promote squash in Pakistan, encourage young players and project a positive image of the country internationally.