MONTREAL, 17 May — Canada’s top ranking squash player Jonathan Power was presented glittering Bank Alfalah Pakistan Open 2002 Trophy here Monday with hopes the World No. 3 star will revisit Pakistan to defend his title he won in Lahore recently.
The trophy, which was specially flown from Lahore to Montreal was handed over to Power by Pakistani High Commissioner Shahid Malik at a well-attended ceremony here. The trophy had slightly broken after some enthusiastic fans tried to greet Power at the prize-distribution ceremony in Pakistan.
The Pakistani squash officials promised to give Power another trophy in Montreal his hometown. “I’m grateful to Lt. Gen. Zarrar Azim, President of Punjab Squash Association, for sending the trophy to Canada,” said Power. He also thanked Pakistani High Commissioner Shahid Malik for presenting him the beautiful trophy.
Malik, in his address, congratulated the Canadian superstar on his well-deserved victory in Pakistan Open and hoped Power would also be able to compete next year.
The high commissioner told the gathering about the efforts being made in Pakistan to revitalize the game to regain its past glory. Pakistan had dominated the squash world for many many years through stalwarts like Hashim Khan, Roshan Khan, Qamar Zaman, Gogi Allauddin, Jahangir Khan and Mohibullah. Earlier, Arif Ahmed Khan, the Pakistani Consul General in Montreal, welcomed the guests and the Canadian media representatives to the ceremony and gave a brief background about Power’s sparkling win in Pakistan. Karamullah, the tournament director of Pakistan Open 2002, who brought the trophy here, also spoke on the occasion and said Pakistan Squash Federation is making dynamic efforts to promote this game of power and skill.
He said enormous training facilities are being offered to the country’s young players. He also made mention of the glass wall squash court that has been acquired by the PSF.
