Sindh Junior Squash begins

KARACHI -Five Malaysian juniors and one Sri Lankan girl arrived here to appear in the 6th DG Rangers Sindh international junior squash which began here Monday at Rangers squash courts but the Indian players could not make the trip due to an alleged delay in issuance of visa in New Delhi.According to information available here, India had picked a seven-member delegation for the event in which they also appeared last year for the same event. The team was waiting in New Delhi for the visas which were issued to them late on Friday evening. The Indian officials informed their Pakistani counterparts that due to the delay in handing over the visa it was not possible for the team to reach Karachi in time for the event. Five Malaysian will appear in the championship which is an officially approved event of the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) and carries $11,000 in prize money.ASF secretary general Srinivasan of Malaysia also arrived here with the Malaysian squad at the special invitation of the organisers. Pakistan’s international referee Engineer Tahir Khanzada said the Pakistan Squash Federation and the organisers wanted to host ASF official to observe in person the conditions and situation in Pakistan and make his own personal assessment about the security concerns which is being as an excuse by the foreign players and team to avoid playing in Pakistan. He said the Srinivasan’s visit would be highly beneficial for Pakistan to clear the misperception about security situation. The ASF official could be instrumental in giving correct picture of the security situation in Pakistan and could even remove misgiving in the minds of foreign teams and players, he added.Meanwhile, opening round matches in boys and girls were held in the afternoon Monday. Competition in boys under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 age group and in girls under 15 and 19 will be held during the championships.

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