KARACHI: The Pakistan Navy Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship begins here on Friday, with 24 players from eight countries competing for a total prize purse of $41,000.

The five-day tournament will be played at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex under the auspices of the Sindh Squash Association.

Pakistan’s Noor Zaman has been named the top seed, while compatriot Mohammad Asim Khan has also secured direct entry into the main draw.

The field comprises six players from Pakistan and nine from Egypt, along with two each from Switzerland, Japan and Malaysia. Brazil, Hong Kong and the United States will each be represented by one player.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Sindh Squash Association president Adnan Asad said the event was aimed at providing local players with greater exposure against international opposition while helping them improve their world rankings.

Former world champion Jahangir Khan hoped the tournament would contribute to the development of Pakistan’s players ahead of squash’s return to the Olympic programme at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“I want Pakistani players to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics and win medals, but that depends on their hard work,” Jahangir said.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026