Squash: PSF approves funding for Atlas’ tour

Squash federation to finance half of the player’s US trip.

KARACHI: There was welcome relief for Pakistan’s top player Aamir Atlas Khan as the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) decided to fund half of his expense as he takes part in three US tournaments.

Aamir leaves tomorrow to play at the Delaware Investments US Open, the $70,000 NetSuite Open and the $35,000 Dayton Open.

The development comes as positive news for squash players in the country who have complained over lack of sponsorship and interest by the PSF, blaming the lacklustre attitude for the slump in their world rankings. However, the PSF reacted after players threatened to leave the country including Waqar Mehboob’s announcement of featuring in US events.

Top players including Aamir, Farhan Mehboob and Danish Atlas met PSF President Tahir Rafique Butt during the recently concluded CAS International Open, conveying the issues before getting an assurance that the federation would help.

“I asked the PSF to give me $8,000 for my trip and they’ve approved half the amount, which is pleasing because something is better than nothing,” Aamir told The Express Tribune. “It’s a start that I’m sure will motivate players to do well. I would thank Butt who helped us with the sponsorship.”

Meanwhile, Aamir aimed at doing well at the events, confident that with the issue resolved, he can focus on his game.

“Full sponsorship from the PSF will make players feel secure over their future and then the federation can set goals for them. The PSF can then hold them accountable as well after providing funds and the players will remain on their toes knowing they would be answerable and will then perform well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th, 2012.