Mehboob starts training for upcoming events

Pakistan’s top squash player has Pak-Egypt series, Hong Kong Open, World Open in sights

KARACHI: Pakistan’s top squash player Farhan Mehboob has resumed training after returning from Houston Open last month, where he picked up an injury and was forced to exit after just the first round.

“It is crucial for me to get back to top form,” Mehboob told The Express Tribune. “I got injured in the Houston Open and it was not how I wanted my US tour to go. The injury really hurt me, however this year my aim is to carry on playing.”

The 28-year-old feels he needs time to prepare for the Pakistan-Egypt league that is scheduled to take place in Pakistan in July, while major events such as the Hong Kong Open, world team event and World Open are also on the horizon.

“I’m expecting the Pakistan and Egypt joint series to happen, and we’ll get a good chance to rub shoulders with the world’s best players,” he said. “The Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) is trying to hold international events that are not part of the PSA, since we cannot host PSA events due to security concerns.”

Mehboob said that he is training for at least four hours even in Ramazan to make sure he is ready for next season.

The left-hander also revealed he opted out of the Kent Open in UK that starts on June 12.

“I usually take a break in Ramazan from international events, but it is also the time that I train the hardest,” said Mehboob. “I didn’t sign up for the Kent Open because it’s not feasible for me to spend this time abroad. I’m preparing for four key events at the moment — the bilateral series with Egypt, the Hong Kong Open, the world team event and the World Open.”

Mehboob also missed the Asian Squash Championship in India as Pakistani players were not issued visas.