Gul beckons need for competitive tournaments

Pakistan head coach visits Karachi to scout junior squash players.

KARACHI: Pakistan head coach Jamshed Gul has termed his visit to Karachi important as there was a lot of talent in the city, but stated that the Sindh Squash Association (SSA) needed to arrange more leagues and tournaments.

Gul said his visit to Karachi was to see the structure for squash in the city but lamented that the players still needed to be groomed.

Gul paid a visit to the squash complex at the National Sports and Training Coaching Centre (NSTCC) to supervise 24 junior players —male and female.

“From whatever I’ve seen today there is decent raw talent available in Karachi,” Gul told The Express Tribune. “But a proper structure needs to be developed where players have the opportunity to play more competitive matches. The SSA should start arranging more tournaments and leagues on the grass-root level which will help these youngsters improve their game. They have a good facility here and they have a squash court of international standards at their disposal.”

The official added that he had made his observations and would make a return with a long-term improvement plan for Sindh players.

Meanwhile, SSA Secretary Amir Khan expressed his association’s interest in holding competitive events, but said their planning had been marred by electricity problems at NSTCC. “We wanted to hold events but there were electricity issues at the courts. However, the problem is solved now and we will start holding tournaments in two month’s time.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4^th, 2013.

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