ISLAMABAD: The Serena Hotels International Squash Championships 2017, in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Squash Federation, came to a resounding end as the finals of the Chief of Air Staff International Women’s Championship and the Pakistan Open Men’s Squash Championship were held at the Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad.
The capital city is buzzing with international sports activities these days with over 83 quality foreign players competing for honour, cash and ranking points in both squash and tennis internationals sponsored by Serena Hotels under its sports diplomacy initiative.
The unprecedented presence of international athletes from 25 foreign countries spreading to five continents (Europe, USA, Australia, Africa and Asia) has made the month of December as the best ever for Pakistan sports during the last 14 years.
The final match for the Serena Hotels Chief of Air Staff International Women’s Championship was held between World No 11 Ainie Au from Hong Kong and World No 54 Sivasangari Subramaniam from Malaysia, while World No 6 Marwan El Shorbagy from Egypt and World No 13 Mohamed Abouelghar from Egypt competed for the title of the Pakistan Open Men’s Squash Champion.
Ainie Au won the title of Serena Hotels CAS International Women Champion 2017, while Marwan Shorbaghy became the Serena Hotels Pakistan Open Men’s Squash Champion 2017.
Air chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who is also the president of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), graced the occasion as the chief guest. Squash legends Jahangir Khan, Qamar Zaman and other dignitaries were also present at the jam-packed arena.
Serena Hotels CEO Aziz Boolani said, “Pakistan has a tradition of excellence in many sports but in recent years it has been harder for our players to excel in competitive sports internationally. The last time we hosted such a large contingent of foreign players was in 2003 when the South Asian Games were held in Pakistan.”
These tournaments have been supported under the Serena Hotels Sports Diplomacy Initiative which is an integral part of Serena’s efforts to build stronger relations with communities. Sports are an important medium for bringing people together and participation in sports helps in improve leadership, teamwork, and communication skills along with promoting a healthier lifestyle and presenting a positive image of the country internationally.