Former World Champion Qamar Zaman, representative of the District Nazim Peshawar Sher Bahadar Khan, Chief Referee Pakistan Squash Federation Munawar Zaman, players and officials, coaches Riaz Khan, Shakeel Khan, Alamzeb and Niamat Ullah were also present.
Before the start of the final the players of both Mardan and Peshawar were introduced to him. He lauded the efforts of the female coach Raiz Khan for his dedicated efforts. Speaking on this occasion, Qamar Zaman said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is blessed with talent by Almighty Allah and that is why the female of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are holding top position in Pakistan. He said Maria Toorpakay, Sadia Gul are international squash players while currently Komal Khan is Under-19 and Laiba is top ranking player in the Under-15 category.
Qamar Zaman said as desired by President Pakistan Squash Federation a female squash academy is setup in PAF Jansher Khan Squash Complex. He said the PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex and PAF Jansher Khan Squash Complex are always open for the male and female players. He said good female players are coming up in squash as players from Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat, Hazara, Mardan, Swat and Peshawar are actively participating in squash tournaments.
Earlier, in the first match Komal defeated Kalsoom by 3-0, the score was 11-4, 11-7 and 11-6, Laiba Ijaz defeated Emam Khan by 3-0, the score was 11-4, 11-6 and 11-7. It was the third singles when Maira defeated Asma Pari by 3-1, the score was 10-12, 11-6, 11-9 and 11-9.At the end, the chief guest gave away trophies and cash prizes to the winners and runners-up. The winner was awarded trophy and cash prize of Rs 20,000 while the runners-up got Rs 10,000 and runners-up trophy. Besides this each participating team awarded Rs 5000 cash prize along with free boarding and lodging.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017