Pakistan squash ready to impress

Team to depart on arduous journey for Incheon tomorrow .

KARACHI: Defending squash champions Pakistan are set to depart for the Asian Games on September 17, while their campaign will kick-off on September 20.

Nasir Iqbal is heading the men’s side comprising Farhan Mehboob, Farhan Zaman and Danish Atlas. Apart from the team event, Nasir and Mehboob will represent the country in the individual category as well.

“I’ve worked hard and I’m aiming for gold in the individual event,” Nasir told The Express Tribune.

“If Mehboob and I win our matches then we’ll clash at the semi-final stage, which will be an interesting battle.”

Nasir added that he is expecting a competitive team event this time around because apart from their main challengers Malaysia, Hong Kong and India have improved substantially and may put up a tough fight as well.”

On the other hand, Mehboob stated: “My draw is pretty tough right from the start, but I’ll try to overcome the hurdles because I can’t see myself bowing out before the final.”

Meanwhile, the female squad team will be led by Maria Toorpakai Wazir.  Other members include Muqaddas Ashraf, Samar Anjum and Riffat Khan. Maria and Muqaddas will play in the individual competition as well.

Despite their good record at the event, the players are worried about the limited time they will have to get used to Incheon’s conditions, as they have a long journey before their arrival at the venue.

The team will make an exhausting 18-hour trip before reaching their venue in Incheon, just one day before their event kicks off.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2014.

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