Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-The two times Under-19 national champion squash girl, Mehwish Ali has said that the joint support of parents and federation could encourage female players to excel at the national and international level as well.
While talking to www.sports-bulletin.com during an exclusive sitting at Mushaf Squash Complex, she added that without parents’ backing, a player even could not start the game. “I started squash in Qayyum Stadium Peshawar, where my father Mohammad Arif was going to play badminton and my brother and sister started to play squash. Due to fewer facilities, our family shifted from Peshawar to Karachi, “she further added.
Mehwish Ali, who won the national championship in Karachi said that he would like to reach in the top 10 players of the world. “My father is doing a lot for me, however, we come from a middle-class family and cannot afford to spend huge money on squash. I also need help from the federation to play squash abroad. I wish to play against Egyptian girls because the game standard of Egypt is much higher than any other country, “he asserted.
Responding to a question, national squash girl Mehwish Ali said, “Unfortunately, society does not accept women in the field of sports and who are given full time to sports they are deprived of basic facilities. Federation cares more for boys as compared to girls and we are facing countless hurdles to move ahead in squash. Maria is a great player and is playing in Canada. I wish to play for my country only at the top level. I will continue my aim and will to do something extraordinary in the field of squash, “she maintained.
“Education makes the perfect player. I go to school three days a week and the rest of the four days I give enough time to my education. I got A+ Grade in my recent examinations and I will linger on with my education along with squash. Zainab and Amna Fayyaz are good players and I enjoy playing with these girls. I am focused on my game and will not disappoint my parents and federation, “she concluded.
