Karachi, 3 November (TDI): The 15th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) International Squash Championship-2021 kicked off in Karachi on 2 November. The event is taking place at Roshan Khan Janghir Khan Squash Complex, Karachi.
Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. The civil and military dignitaries, sponsors, and senior players of squash were also present on the occasion.
15th CNS Intl Squash Championship commenced at RKJK Squash Complex, Khi. Commander Pakistan Fleet V/Adm Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami inaugurated the championship. Inaugural match of 1st round played b/w Max Lee of Hong Kong & Zahir Shah of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/CidBlBsftr
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) November 2, 2021
A total of 24 players are participating in the championship. These include nine Pakistani players and fifteen international players. The international players are from four countries: Egypt, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and the United States.
The event will continue till 6 November. The championship consists of twenty-three matches including four quarter-finals and two semifinals. The prize money for this year’s championship is US$ 20000.
Max Lee of Hong Kong and Zahir Shah of Pakistan played the inaugural match. The former won the match.
Pakistan Navy organized the first edition of the CNS Championship in 2000.
Earlier, tournament director, Commodore Kamran Ahmad, stated in a press briefing, “Pakistan Navy has deep-rooted linkages with squash”. He further added Squash was initially played at a single court at Manora. Over time, Pakistan Navy also upgraded the infrastructure to meet international standards.
Furthermore, he said Pakistan Navy inaugurated ‘Roshan Khan Janghair Khan Squash Complex” in June 1991. It consists of five top-notch courts. Additionally, a modern 4 sided glass court is under construction.
Moreover, Commodore Kamran Ahmed said “Gathering international players at one platform through 15th CNS Squash championship will portray soft image of Pakistan to the world” He added, “It will also show the world that Pakistan is a safe and secure country for international players to come and play here”.
