Punjab association complains

Body official says their efforts needed to be acknowledged after Asian final.

ISLAMABAD: Victory at the Asian championship, however, turned unpleasant to some extent as the Punjab Squash Association (PSA) complained that the country’s governing body stole the limelight ‘entirely’.

Officials of the Punjab body, responsible for organising the befitting event, did not feature in the presentation ceremony despite putting up a grand show throughout the week as the Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) took centre stage after the final.

“The limelight was stolen from the PSA as PSF officials ruled the presentation ceremony,” a PSA official told The Express Tribune. “They could’ve at least called one of the PSA members to stand there and acknowledge our efforts.”

The ceremony became a laughing stock as the PSF official helping the chief guest with the medals and trophies dropped the memento thrice. Loud noises frightened Asian Squash Federation (ASF) President David Mui as well.

In addition, the medal of men’s runner-up Abdullah al Muzayen was given to Low Wee Wern and when the finalist’s name was announced, the official was seen taking the medal away from the female player to hand it over to the original recipient. While the crowd showed its displeasure at the incident, it also conveyed ill-planning on part of the organisers of the presentation ceremony.

“Had the PSF involved us in the whole process, things would’ve gone smoother and it would have been a lot of fun. But in the end, the event concluded without any major issues or security concerns and that is what’s more important for us. Credit needs to be given to the PSF for providing top-class security.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2013.