Pakistan pulls out of Asian Squash Championship in India

Four players from Pakistan were to play in the continental championship. Farhan Mehboob, Frahan Zaman, Waqar Mehboob and Tayyab Aslam were scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Chennai on Monday. However, their visas were never issued.

“It is disappointing”

Farhan Mehboob, Pakistan’s top ranked squash player, believes the hosts of the Championship delayed their visas on purpose in order to avoid a defeat at the hands of their archrivals.

“We had applied for visas three to four months ago. They didn’t welcome us because they obviously don’t want to lose at home, otherwise there is no reason for it. It is disappointing, but it is an easy way out for India,” said Mehboob.

PSF’s Secretary Wing Commander, Tahir Sultan, confirmed that their visas were never issued, forcing the federation to cancel the flights.

“We cancelled our flights last night. It’s very disappointing for us as the players were all prepared and had trained hard for the event,” declared Sultan.

The PSF will record a formal protest against India at both on the Asian and world level for mixing politics with sports.

Pakistan has achieved gold in nine of the 18 previous editions of the men’s championship.

Only two other nations have won the competition: Malaysia seven times and Hong Kong two.

The 19th edition of the Asian Senior Squash Championship will be played in Chennai from 26th to 30th April. The event will be played in a single knockout format.