ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will stage its largest-ever prize money squash tournament next week as it seeks to revive its historic dominance in the sport, organizers said on Saturday, though Indian players have withdrawn from the event.
The Karachi Open International Squash Tournament, a Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour Gold event offering a record $242,000 in prize money, will run from Jan. 6-11 and feature men’s and women’s draws with equal payouts, marking a rare top-tier international competition hosted by Pakistan in recent years.
Squash legend Jahangir Khan, a former world champion and head of the Sindh Squash Association, described the event as “a historic step.”
“We are striving to reclaim Pakistan’s lost dominance in squash,” he told reporters during a news conference.
“The peaceful conduct of this international tournament will project a positive image of Pakistan,” he continued. “Practical steps are needed to unearth new talent. I remain committed to promoting squash globally and am available to serve the sport in Pakistan.”
