ISLAMABAD - Strawberry Sports Management founder and CEO Haider Ali Daud announced to hold conduct first-ever professional squash league in Pakistan, involving top PSA players. 

In an interview with The Nation, Haider said: “I have a vast experience of corporate sector and passion for sports, that’s why I decided to start sports management firm. I feel in Pakistan, people are not aware about the importance and significance of how to manage sports events and especially how to promote sports, which direly need attention of authorities concerned.”

He said: “I started the firm early 2016 and immediately sponsored women U-18 hockey, women baseball, rock climbing, rugby event at Islamabad Rugby Ground, involving Islamabad Jinns and national champions Army team. It was wonderful experience and gave me lot of heart. I have not started the firm to mint money or gain personal benefits, but to give athletes status and financial assistance, which they badly need and really deserve. Unlike of cricket and to some extent hockey, the government or private sector hardly pays any heed towards sponsoring other sports.” 

Haider said: “After rugby, I join hands with Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) and want to promote this wonderful game, which is played almost each and every corner of the country. Kabaddi has given Pakistan a lot of name and fame, but unfortunately, kabaddi players don’t earn enough money to live a prosper life. I was all set to sign agreement with PKF regarding sponsoring CAS National Kabaddi Championship and everything was almost sorted out, but a few differences surfaced, which led me to spate ways, but I am confident enough that the agreement signed by my firm and the PKF for hosting the 1st Kabaddi League in March would remain intact and logo unveiling will be done this month. 

“I had signed 10-year agreement with the PKF and according to that, we are owners of the league while the PKF is the exclusive technical collaborators. Total 6 teams will be involved in the first edition, while two more teams will be added in next editions. The first edition will be held at the Punjab Stadium Lahore and we will try out best to ensure participation of Indian players in the second edition,” he added. 

Haider said he had discussed plans with Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) senior vice president Air Vice Marshal (R) Syed Razi Nawab, honorary secretary Group Captain Amir Nawaz and also met with legend Jahangir Khan. “Our discussions were quite fruitful, I want not only to conduct professional league in Pakistan next year, but also ready to sponsor bright future prospects, as it is my firm belief that Pakistan is blessed with immense amount of squash talent, but the only need is to identify and invest on their training and providing them with world class facilities. I have identified a few players, whom we are going to lend a helping hand, but it depends on federation’s way of handling the affairs. 

“I have sent proper detailed plan to the PSF in March this year and I am still waiting for the positive response. I had mentioned highly favourable conditions that even included guaranteed execution of the plan in shape of covering the entire expenses of the said league in form of proper corporate guarantee. I also have offered the federation that even if I fail to rope in sponsor, I will provide bank guarantee,” he added. 

“After successful conduct of my first few projects, I am going to cover other sports as well. I want to pay top most attention towards neglected sports in general and athletes in particular. I have also signed two agreements for bringing wrestling and volleyball leagues as well. I have numerous plans in my mind and I hope dirty politics will not spoil all my efforts and I hope and pray some so-called sports organisers will allow me to fulfill my dream of doing something for Pakistan sports,” Haider concluded.