Maria eyes Asian squash title

Pakistan number one hopes to inspire other females through win.

KARACHI: Pakistan’s number one female squash player Maria Toor Pakay is eyeing the title at the Asian Seniors Squash Championship that gets underway on May 1 in Islamabad, hoping that her win can inspire women to build a career in the sport.

The 22-year-old, who trains in Canada under the legendary Jonathan Power and joined the national training camp yesterday, had left Pakistan at an early age after being unable to pursue the sport in the tribal region of Waziristan where her parents reside.

However, Maria said the upcoming event will serve her purpose of promoting the sport since it was being hosted in the country.

“I want to create a big impact since the event is being held at home,” Maria told The Express Tribune. “The aim is to progress as far as I can despite having a tough draw. But I want to win the event as the top players are missing. If I reach the quarter-finals, I’ll be up against top-seed Low Wee Wern of Malaysia and if I can win that match then the road to the trophy gets easier.”



World number one player Nicol David of Malaysia pulled out of the event due to security concerns.

However, Maria, the world number 49, believes Nicol should have taken part since the organisers have promised to provide top-level security to players.

Maria added that Power will arrive on May 30 to follow her progress at the event and extra motivation would also be provided by the presence of her family.

“My father has done so much for me but has never seen me play properly. I want my family to see me and thus this championship is of immense importance because I’ve suffered a lot in coming this far.”

Pakistan are fielding six players in the women’s category including Maria, Rushna Mehboob, Samar Anjum, Zoya Khalid, Riffat Khan and Saima Shaukat.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2013.