Peshawar to host 4 to 5 South Asian Games events including squash: Qamar Zaman

PESHAWAR (APP): Vice President Pakistan Squash Federation and President KP Squash Association Qamar Zaman Sunday said that Senior Vice President Pakistan Olympic Association Syed Aqil Shah is trying his best to get the rights of hosting four to five Games part of the forthcoming South Asian Games in Pakistan next year including squash.

Talking to APP, former World Champion Qamar Zaman lauded former KP Sports Minister and President KP Olympic Association Syed Aqil Shah for his efforts and request made to President Pakistan Olympic Association Lt-Gen (Retd) Arif Hassan to give four to five games hosting right to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said after meeting with President POA, Syed Aqil Shah is very optimistic about hosting four five events of the South Asian Games. He said it would also help the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to see top players in action and learn good things from them.

He said the city of Peshawar attained good ratings as it has recently organized the best ever 33rd National Games apart from National Games in 2010 in Peshawar. These Games have been declared as the best among so far organized in other provinces. It is a very good initiative and I am sure that Syed Aqil Shah will succeed in his endeavors, Qamar Zaman said, adding, “At the same time, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has assured him of full cooperation.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan has also directed the preparations for the South Asian Games to the Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board.

He said that earlier the most successful national and provincial games have been held in Peshawar, which were also declared as the best games of Pakistan, and if we still get events in the South Asian Games, they will also be organized in the best way.

In response to a question, Qamar Zaman said that the government of our province is taking all possible steps for the promotion and development of sports under the leadership and direction of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, sports budget touches four to five billion.

He also lauded the Prime Minister Imran Khan 1000 Playground Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on which currently work on more than 206 projects continued across the province including merged tribal areas. In response to a question, Qamar Zaman said that a Four Glass Wall Squash Complex has been constructed at the University of Peshawar with only glass walls remaining for which more funds is need for its completion so that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is able to host international squash events in Peshawar.

He said, soon after completion of the four-glass wall squash complex, having more than 500 spectators facilities with modern-day facilities, he would host an Asian Universities Squash Championship and also the World Universities Squash Championship.

“I hope that this squash complex will be completed soon and appreciated Chief Minister KP for taking keen interest in equipping Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with international standard sports facilities. About the current situation of squash players, Qamar Zaman said that we have to work day and night to regain the lost glories in squash, as without hard work we cannot achieve our goals.