PSA proposes international squash tournament in Karachi

Security agencies have assured that safety will be provided to players coming to city for the event

KARACHI: They say Jahangir Khan did for squash what Roger Federer has done for tennis; raise the level of the game itself. But perhaps Jahangir Khan did even more, a lot more, for a sport that has degenerated over the years.

Jahangir Khan, along with Jansher Khan, can be accredited for the popularity of the game worldwide. The Khans went on to dominate the world of squash for nearly half a century. Jahangir’s name is etched in the history books as the ‘conqueror’ for the numerous records he set in the game.



What’s more, he has been heavily involved in the promotion of the sport in his capacity as Chairman of the Professional Squash Association (1990) and in 1997 he was the Vice-President of the Pakistan Squash Federation. He was then elected as Vice-President of the World Squash Federation in November 1998, and in October 2002 was elected WSF President. In 2004, he was again unanimously re-elected as President of the World Squash Federation.

And he continues to do a lot for both . Lifting travel restrictions on member global squash players, the Professional Squash Association (PSA) has proposed hosting an International Squash Tournament in Karachi. The 20,000 dollar international event will be held at Roshan Khan, Jahangir Khan, PN Squash Complex in August.

International players will also be participating in the tournament. This comes as a welcome initiative as owing to the peace situation in city, previously PSA had imposed a travel ban on its players after which the squash tournaments in city were frequently subjected to adjournments.

Having a strong influence in international squash circles, Khan, in order to reinstate squash events in Pakistan, specially Karachi maintained contact with the PSA.

After the successful organisation of PSL-Three finals and West Indies T-Twenty Cricket series in Karachi, security consultant of PSA visited Karachi, examined the security arrangements and expressed his approval.



Further, after a detailed visit of Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan, Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, International security expert Richard hinted at the possibility of international players’ of participation at the upcoming international squash tournament in Karachi, once the travel restrictions are lifted.

According to sources, the security agencies have assured that safety will be provided to the international players coming to city for the tournament while the availability of bullet-proof cars for their travelling will also be ensured.