KARACHI: ARY Digital Network join hands with Sindh Squash Association to host a high-profile sporting event – Karachi Open Squash Championship 2022, in an attempt to foster a sporting culture in the country.

In the first event under the ACE Games initiative launched by the ARY group, a large number of international players including 40 foreign players will take part in the PSA World Tour Bronze and PSA Challenger Tour 20 from March 15 to 19 March 2022.

The two glittering events will feature both male and female athletes, with the PSA World Tour Bronze tournament featuring male athletes, while the female competition is a PSA Challenger Tour 20 tournament.

The main draws of the two tournaments are headed by former World No.1 Karim Abdel Gawad and France’s Enora Villard respectively.

Tayyab Aslam, the world No. 44, is Pakistan’s greatest hope for a home triumph. In his first-round encounter, the country’s number-one will compete with Egyptian Yahya Elnawasany.

Former top-ranked squash player and a six-time World Open Winner – Jahangir Khan, who is currently serving as the Chairman of Sindh Squash Association and Emeritus President of World Squash Federation, said that he is excited to showcase the nation’s hospitality to a number of talented international squash players.

“The Sindh Squash Association is delighted to host the Karachi Open Squash Championship 2022. We are excited to collaborate with the ARY group who have always been huge supporters of sports in the country,” he stated.

“We are all very excited to showcase Pakistan’s hospitality to a number of talented international squash players and I look forward to welcoming them [to] Karachi this March,” he added.

The CEO and President of ARY Digital Network Mr. Salman Iqbal said the Karachi Open Squash Championship will be a great addition to the country’s sports industry.

“I am delighted that we are partnering with the Sindh Squash Association and the business community of Pakistan to bring this star-studded squash event to Pakistan,” Mr Salman said.

“Pakistan has hosted a number of international cricket events in the last few years and the Karachi Open Squash Championship will be a great addition to the country’s sports industry. I am confident that with world-class TV coverage on A Sports, Pakistan’s first HD sports channel, and a memorable event, we will be able to further raise the profile of Pakistan as a sports destination,” he added.

“Our vision with ACE Games is to promote sports in Pakistan and provide avenues for our youth to train themselves so that they can bring laurels for Pakistan and I hope that all stakeholders will continue to support us in our efforts,” he concluded.

The Chairman of AKD Group Aqeel Karim Dhedhi said he is determined of providing full support as we aim to promote Pakistan as a sports destination.

“The business community of Karachi is proud to support Pakistan’s resurgence in sports. The Karachi Open Squash Championship, and other events in the pipeline under the ACE Games umbrella, will have our full support as we aim to promote Pakistan as a sports destination and build Pakistan’s own sporting heroes,” he said.