ISLAMABAD: The trophy of the 12th Chief of Naval Staff International Squash Championship was unveiled during an impressive ceremony here at the Mushaf Squash Complex, Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday.

Commodore Khalid Pervez, Commander North, along with secretary of the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), Group Captain Aamir Nawaz, unveiled the trophy.

The championship will conclude on Oct 22.

Talking to media on the occasion, Khalid said 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, be it 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 the year 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.”

This year the tournament prize money has been increased to $25000.

Besides Pakistan, players from Egypt, US, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Holland, Jamaica, Wales, UAE and Jordan are featuring in the championship.

A total of 48 players, including 15 international ranking foreign contestants are participating in the event comprising three rounds.

Khalid said the championship would provide 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.

Published in Dawn October 16th, 2016