ASF revives Asian Master Championship

KARACHI: Asian Squash Federation (ASF) has revived its Asian Master Championships and announced on Friday that its third edition would be played in October.

Its last edition was played in 2012 in Pakistan.

“Special thanks to the host Chinese Squash Association for their initiative and hard work. The Championships is confirmed to be held from October 13-16 in Dalian, China,” stated ASF.

The championships will have categories from over-35 to 70 plus for both men and women.

“We encourage and welcome all [senior] players to gear up for the challenge,” stated ASF.

In the last edition, Pakistan’s Jahangir Khan junior won gold medal in 35 plus age category.

Other Pakistani players who won gold medals were Sajjad Ahmed in 40 plus; Mohammad Fayaz in 45 plus; Hassan Raza in 50 plus; and Gogi Alauddin in 60 plus.

Those who won silver medals were Zulfiqar Khan in 35 plus; Abdul Rashid in 40 plus; Sohail Qaiser in 45 plus; and Mohammad Hanif in 55 plus.

A few days back former squash great Gogi demanded the revival of Asian Masters Championship that was discontinued in 2012 after only two editions. “The last was held in Lahore in 2012 where many former squash legends participated as guests. I won gold medal in over-60 age category,” said Gogi while talking to ‘The News’.

He said such championships provided opportunities to senior players at regional level who could not afford to play in Europe and other regions.

“The discontinuation of Asian Masters has had a negative effect and we feel left out for not having enough opportunities to play competitive squash,” said Gogi.