Sports Bulletin

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (July 26, 2020):-Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) organized online squash coaching and training sessions, aiming to maintain level of physical of the players during the Covid-19 restrictions, as the pandemic halted all sports activities in the country. According to PSF Media Department, federation has remained committed in engaging the players, coaches and trainers to stay connected with squash activities. PSF has already been conducting online physical training of players since March this year 2020 through Zoom application because of which the participants have been able to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. As part of faculty development, it was the vision of President and Senior Vice President, PSF that apart from players’ development, PSF may introduce opportunities for development of coaches in Pakistan. Therefore, PSF has arranged PSF Level-1 Squash Coaching Course from 20 July, 2020 which would last till 28 July, 2020. Owing to the restrictions of COVID-19 this course is being conducted on-Line through Zoom Application where all participants can interact and understand each other easily. PSF respects all the senior coaches of Pakistan who have a vast coaching experience and have trained many great players. However, it’s time to pass on the talent to amateurs to create more good coaches. Therefore, this course is planned for amateurs who want to start their career as a squash coach to train players starting from grass-root level. After Level-1, PSF will also conduct further advance level courses on the same pattern in near future. Such coaching courses are also conducted by other countries all over the world and PSF would continue to conduct more courses of Level-II and Level-III in future as well.  It is expected that this activity would help PSF to increase the pool of coaches in Pakistan and raise their qualification level in the coaching profession. Moreover, these courses will equally provide an opportunity to the amateurs to gain professional experience and utilize it in a better way to promote and expand the game of squash at grass roots level.  These are Pakistan level courses and it is expected that such courses would provide a platform to Pakistani players, trainers, coaches and amateurs to attend coaching courses of various levels organized by Asian Squash Federation and World Squash Federation and increase their professional knowledge / qualification in the field of coaching. In future, PSF also intends to hold ASF & WSF coaching courses in Pakistan. On recommendation of provincial squash associations & affiliated departments, a group of 49 players, trainers, coaches & amateurs are participating in subject course.  They include 14 from Punjab, 9 from KP, 9 from Sindh, 5 from Balochistan, 7 from PAF, 3 from SNGPL and one each from Army & ZTBL.  Besides local participants, few overseas Pakistanis are also attending the course. The main purpose of this arrangement is to keep the players, local coaches & amateurs actively involved in squash activities during the prevailing Covid-19 Pandemic. Moreover, the aim of this activity is to train the trainers for providing standardized training starting from grass-root level, educate them on the changing rules & latest techniques of game development to get better performance & results from amateur players. PSF Coaches Mr Rehman Gul, Fazal Shah & Asif Khan who have a vast professional experience and have sound knowledge of modern squash, are conducting the module of squash and conducting regular sessions for on-court practice / game development. Whereas, Physical Training module which is already being run since March this year, is being looked after by PSF Strength & Conditioning Coaches Mohammad Boota, Mohammad Anees and Mohammad Kashif. They are providing their expert services to maintain & improve players’ physical strength, fitness & stamina which is essentially required for a player to sustain throughout the tournament. There has been a very healthy participation in this Level-I coaching course and all the participants have been appreciating the trainers and such efforts. Most importantly, all the participants are very respectable and they have also been sharing their experiences with the coaches which has created a very healthy & interactive learning environment. We hope that this would help Pakistan to create best performing players in future.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has postponed the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship for Men & Women, which was scheduled to be taken place at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad from April 3 to 6 this year 2020. According to an official of PSF, owing to corona virus federation decided to postpone the international fixture. The corona virus is escalating and health & safety issues arising from the global outbreak of COVID-19, subject tournament has been postponed in consultation with Professional Squash Association (PSA) and concerned government authorities of Pakistan.  Revised dates of the tournament would be announced in due course of time.  PSA has also been approached for rescheduling of tournament in September time frame as per the slot available in PSA calendar.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 9, 2020):-Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) on Thursday gave a cash award of Rs.500 thousand to Mohammad Hamza Khan, who won gold medal in the Under-15 age category of British Open Junior Squash Championship that  was taken place in Birmingham, England. According to media department of PSF, on Thursday, President PSF, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force met with Pakistan junior squash team and lauded their performance in this prestigious event. At this occasion, he and also awarded cash prizes among the players. Hamza Khan, who won the Under 15 title was awarded cash prize of Rs 500,000. Interacting with players, the Air Chief said that the whole nation was proud of young squash player Mohammad Hamza Khan, who brought laurels to the country by winning the championship after a big space of eight years. Also, head of the federation appreciated the hard work put in by the coaching staff for providing international standard training and coaching facilities to the young players.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 8, 2020):-Pakistan’s 12 member contingent comprising 9 players and 3 officials arrived in Islamabad after participating in the British Open Juniors’ Squash Championship 2020 that concluded on January 6 in Birmingham, England. Mohammad Hamza Khan brought the honour after 8 years for country by winning gold medal in Under-15 age group category, who had defeated local guy Yusuf Sheikh at 11-4, 11-3 and 11-7. Top officials of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) welcomed the players at Islamabad International Airport. An interaction with the media, PSF arranged special session at Mushaf Squash Complex. Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Akbar Durrani and Director General PSB Amna Imran were also present on this occasion and congratulated the teenager on their remarkable performance in the international junior squash showpiece.

Faraz Ahmed Kayani ISLAMABAD (January 5, 2020):-Pakistani teenager Mohammad Hamza Khan qualified for the final of Under-15 fixture of British Juniors’ Open Squash Championship 2020 after beating Yassin Shohdy of Egypt 3-0 in the semifinal at Birmingham, UK on Saturday. The final score-line was 11-5, 11-8, 11-7. He will take on Yousuf Sheikh from England in the final on Sunday at same venue. Results: Boys’ Under-15 (Semifinals) Mohammad Ammad (Pakistan) lost to Yousuf Sheikh (England) 9-11, 6-11, 7-11 Mohammad Hamza Khan (Pakistan) beat Yassin Shohdy (Egypt) 11-5, 11-8, 11-7 Boys’ Under-17 (Semifinals) (9/16) Noor Zaman (Pak) lost to (1) Sam Todd 6-11, 1-11, 1-11.  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-Three Pakistani including Noor Zaman (Under-17), Mohammad Ammad and Mohammad Hamza Khan (Under-15) reached into the semifinals of ongoing British Open Juniors’ Squash Championship 2020. According to Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) media office, Noor Zaman has continued his run of upsetting the top seed players and reached semifinals. Mohammad Amaad and Hamza Khan again displayed fine skills of squash and continued their winning run. Abdullah Nawaz played well but lost to 2nd seed of Boys Under-13. Results: Boys Under-13 (Quarterfinals) Abdullah Nawaz lost to (2) Yousef Saleem (Egy)  8-11, 9-11, 6-11 Boy Under-15 (Quarterfinals) Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Jacob Lin (Canada)  9-11, 11-5, 11-4, 12-10 Mohammad Hamza Khan beat Harith Daniyal (Malaysia) 11-4, 11-3, 11-8 Under 17 (Quarterfinal) (9/16) Noor Zaman (Pak) beat (5/8) Ameeshenraj Chandaran (Malaysia) 7-12, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-Pakistani teenager Mohammad Amaad made a big upset by beating top Seed Jonah Bryant in 3-2 thrilling match in the ongoing British Junior Open 2020 that is being played in England. Four different venues including Edgbaston Priory Club, University of Birmingham Sport and Fitness Centre, Solihull Arden Club and West Warwickshire Sports Club. The score-line was 14-12, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-8. British Junior Open squash championship is considered the second most prestigious junior open squash championship in the squash history after the World Junior Squash Championships. Mohammad Amaad made massive upset by beating top Seed Jonah Bryant in 3-2 thrilling match. Abdullah Nawaz, Hamza Khan and M Amaad have qualified for quarterfinals of BJO2020. Noor Zaman and Haris Qasim are yet to play their matches. Results: Boys U-13 - Round 3 Abdullah Nawaz vs Victor Santos De Freitas (Ned) [17/32]   11-4, 11-7, 11-7 Boys U-15 - Round 3  Mohammad Amaad beat Tay Jun Qian (Mas) [17/32] 11-4, 12-10, 11-8 Mohammad Hamza Khan beat Thomas Greengrass (Eng) [33/64] 11-5, 11-2, 11-3 Anas Ali Shah beat Juan Jose Torres Lara (Col) [17/32] 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 Round 4 Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Jonah Bryant (Eng)   14-12, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-8 Hamza Khan beat Omar Azam (Egypt) 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 Anas Ali Shah (Pak) lost to Yusuf Sheikh (Eng)  9-11, 6-11, 8-11 Boys U-17 - Round 3 Denis Gilevskiy (IRL)  [5/8] beat  Asad Ullah 11-7, 11-9, 11-4                       Noor Zaman bt Karim Farrag (CZE)  [17/32] 11-7, 11-3, 13-11 Round -4 Noor Zaman vs  Karim El Torkey [3/4]                      Boys U-19 - Round 3 Haris Qasim beat Jared Carter (ENG) [17/32] 11-9, 4-11, 12-10, 13-11 Round 4 Haris Qasim vs Yahya Elnawasany [2]

 Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2020):-Pakistan number one squash player Tayyab Aslam moved nine steps up in the Professional’s Squash Association (PSA) International Ranking after showing an impressive performance in the recently concluded International Squash Tournament in the capital city of Pakistan Islamabad, which was pursuing prize money of US$20, 000. According to new ranking, Tayyab Aslam is spotted at 51st position, as he was on 60th in the last month December 2019. New year 2020 proved a nice omen for Pakistan squash and top national guy improved his international ranking. He has defeated Farhan Mehboob in the final of Pakistan International Squash fixture that was held at Mushaf Squash Complex on December 19, 2019. While left arm player Farhan Mehboob went seven steps down from 91 to 98 in the latest PSA ranking. Asim Khan went down two steps from 74 to 76.

Faraz Ahmed Kayani ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2020):-British Junior Open 2020 is being played in England. Pakistan squash contingent comprising of Haris Qasim, Hamza Sharif, Asad Ullah Khan, Anas Ali Shah, Noor Zaman, Waleed Khalil, Abdullah Nawaz, Mohammad Amaad and Mohammad Hamza Khan are participating in the British Junior Squash Championship, 2020 at Birmingham. Results: Boys U-13 Round 1 Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat (5/8) Christian Capella (USA) 12-10, 13-11, 8-11, 12-10 Round 2   Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Aqil Mirza (Malaysia) 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 Boys U-15 Round 1   M Amaad    Bye Round 2   M Amaad (Pak) beat Oliver Coulcher  (Eng)   11-3, 12-10, 11-2 Anas Ali Shah Round 1     Bye Round 2     Anas Ali Shah beat Palmer Deville (Eng)  11-6,11-6,11-6 Mohammad Hamza Khan Round    1    Bye Round    2   M Hamza Khan beat Guido Lindner (Ned) 11-3, 11-2, 11-1 Boys U-17 Asad Ullah Khan Round 1    Bye Round  2   Asad Ullah beat Usman Khan (Canada) 11-3,11-8,11-8 Round 1   Waleed Khalil beat Kieran Mahoney (Eng) 11-3, 11-2, 11-2 Round 2   Denis Gilevskiy (IRL) [5/8] beat Waleed Khalil 11-6, 11-2, 13-11 Noor zaman Round 1   Bye Round 2   Noor Zaman beat Amin Khan (Canada)  11-8,11-8,11-9 Boys U-19 Hamza Sharif Round 1  Hamza Sharif beat Lubos Walter (CZE) 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 Round 2  Hamza Shareef lost to Max Forster (BER) [9/16] 8-11,5-11,10-12 Haris Qasim Round 1   Bye Round 2   Haris Qasim beat Taylor Carrick [33/64] 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2 Round 3 & 4 matches would be played today in England. 

SB News ISLAMABAD (December 29, 2019):-British Junior Open 2020 will be held from January 02 to 06, 2020 in England. Pakistan squash contingent comprising of Haris Qasim, Hamza Sharif, Asad Ullah Khan, Anas Ali Shah, Noor Zaman, Waleed Khalil, Abdullah Nawaz, Mohammad Amaad and Mohammad Hamza Khan have reached England for participation in the British Junior Squash Championship, 2020 at Birmingham. According to Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), the training camp for British Open Juniors (BJO) 2020 was held from last two months at Pakistan National Squash Academy (PNSA) and physical and in courts squash sessions were held to prepare the players for championship. Contingent Manager Air Commodore (Retd) Aftab Sadiq Qureshi and Hussain Odhwani along with Coach Asif Khan have also accompanied the contingent. Three players including Uzair Shoukat, Ashab Irfan and Sakhi Ullah are still not issued Visa and would travel for BJO 2020 if they get visa. PSF have also approached the embassy and quite hopeful that they would soon be departing to England.