Sindh Squash Association Chairman and Former World Champion Jahangir Khan and Tournament Director Adnan Asad addressing a press conference at DHA Creek Club, announced that the Karachi Open International Squash Tournament, featuring a record prize money of $242,000, will run from January 6 to 11.
This six-day PSA World Tour Gold event will include men’s and women’s competitions, with $120,500 allocated to each category.
Top international players from around the world will compete. The top 8 seeds in both draws receive byes and advance directly to the second round.
In the men’s event, Egypt’s World No. 4 Karim Eljawad is the top seed, followed by Egypt’s World No. 7 Marwan Elshorbagy as seed No. 2. Pakistan will be represented by four players: World Under-23 Champion and World No. 38 Noor Zaman, World No. 47 Mohammad Asad Irfan, and wild card entries to former national champions Nisar Iqbal and Tayyab Aslam.
In the women’s event, Egypt’s World No. 4 Amina Orfi is the top seed, with Malaysia’s World No. 7 Sivasangari Subramaniam as seed No. 2. Two Pakistani women players, visually impaired Sana Bahadur and Maryam Malik, have received wild card entries.
Meanwhile, India has once again politicised squash, as in other sports. Indian players, including men Abhay Singh, Amit Tandon, Veer Chotrani, and Vikas Singh Senthi, along with women’s World No. 28 Anahat Singh, have withdrawn their entries.
Organizers revealed plans to elevate the event to Platinum status next year with a record $1 million prize purse.
Responding to a question, squash legend Jahangir Khan stated: “We are striving to reclaim Pakistan’s lost dominance in squash. Hosting the Karachi Open International Squash Tournament is a historic step. We are grateful for the full support of the Sindh government, particularly Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other stakeholders. The government’s $200,000 grant for the event is highly commendable.”
He added: “The peaceful conduct of this international tournament will project a positive image of Pakistan. Practical steps are needed to unearth new talent. I remain committed to promoting squash globally and am available to serve the sport in Pakistan. Squash’s inclusion in the next Olympics is a welcome development. Sports must be kept away from politics, and top-ranked Indian players should have come to Pakistan for this international event.”