KARACHI: Karachi which was once a heaven for international squash through the fullest support of Pakistan International Airlines has been bemoaning for a long time due to no international sports activities. For almost a decade no player inside the world top 10 has visited Pakistan due to the unstable law and order situation here. But Sindh Squash Association (SSA) has proved that “where there is a will there is a way”. It has invited world number 13 Mazen Hesham and world number 8 Karim Abdel Gawad from Egypt for an invitation match which will be played on Tuesday at Creek Club. “We are very happy and enjoying ourselves in Karachi though we are here for the very first time,” said Mazen Hesham while talking to reporters at the Dr Essa Laboratories. Karim Abdel Gawad said he had always had a dream to showcase his skills and be a part of the history of squash in Pakistan since the country had produced more than six world champions. “I have heard so many wonderful things about Pakistan and I am very excited to make new friends in Karachi,” he said. He added that he was looking forward to meeting young players on Tuesday evening during a coaching clinic. “I will play with these juniors and then an exhibition match against my friend Mazen to one of the best audiences in the world!” added Karim. “Also,” he added, “I want to thank all the sponsors that made that event happen and want to give credit to our manager and our great friend Jahanzeb Masood for creating such an event.” Jahanzeb said on the occasion that the event would augur well for the game of squash in Sindh. “Our next step would be having a league. We plan to bring in five international players in Pakistan so that our players can play with them and better their game to compete at international level,” added Jahanzeb. He said the potential invitees include world junior champion from Peru, players from Australia and England. “We would like to hold a weeklong camp in which the league would be played in March next year,” added the promoter. To a question, he said bringing international squash players in Pakistan was easier than arranging events for Pakistani players in foreign countries. “It is a big hassle to arrange visas for Pakistani players for international events, so the way out is to invite top-ranked foreign players here and have matches with them,” he reasoned. Jahanzeb said Mazen was known as Black Falcon and Karim was called Baby Face Assassin, so the match between them would be a treat to watch. “This is the biggest match the city of Karachi is going to host in years,” said Jahanzeb. He said the people of Karachi and his whole team was truly excited and thankful to Mazen and Karim for accepting their invitation. “These two squash stars are currently ranked in the world top 20 and have a huge fan following so I feel very blessed to have them here,” added Jahanzeb. He said he was hoping the event would be a great showcase for the world to see that Pakistan was a safe country to travel to and that Karachi was capable of hosting any major squash tournament. Jahanzeb hoped that after this mega event the PSA would allow Pakistan to host top prize money tournaments which would not only help Pakistan players improve their rankings but also bring this sport into the hearts of the Pakistani people once again. SSA secretary Amir Khan said squash had been facing steep decline in the province so they had to take such initiative to revive this game. Dr Farhan Essa said the visit of top Egyptian players to Karachi was a breakthrough and would surely be great for local players. “Our players will get to see top players in action,” added Farhan.
