ISLAMABAD, 30 August 2005 — Pakistan is to stage its first-ever international women’s squash tournament from today in a move that could open up the sport to female players in the conservative Islamic Republic, officials said.
Players from five countries including England, India and hosts Pakistan will participate in the four-day Women’s International Squash Players Association (WISPA) tournament at Wah Cantt near the capital, they said.
“Although it’s a small-prize money event of $10,000, this is the beginning of international women’s activities in Pakistan,” Pakistan Squash Federation secretary Zulfiqar Ahmed told AFP. He said he hoped local players will make their mark. The world’s top three players — Rachael Grinham of Australia, Vanessa Atkinson of the Netherlands and Nicol David of Malaysia — have declined to attend the event.
“One day all these top players will come to Pakistan because with smaller events like this we want to remove the misconception that Pakistan snubs women’s sports,” Ahmed said.
England-based Pakistani Carla Khan, No. 23 in the WISPA rankings, will lead the 16 players in the main rounds, which also feature No. 2 seed Sharon Wee of Malaysia, Line Hansen of Denmark and Jenna Gates of England. India’s Joshna Chinappa is also taking part.
Pakistan will be represented by Anna Batool Kardar, Sarah Awan and three qualifiers, including national women’s champion Maria Toor. Pakistan’s conservative society does not encourage women to play field sports, but there has been progress in women’s sports since Pakistan staged its first-ever women’s football match last year. Pakistan also staged its first national cricket championship for women in March, and a national football championship for women is set to be staged in Islamabad for the first time next month.
