22 Pakistani Squash Players Achieve PSA Membership Milestone in 2023

A Triumph for Pakistani Squash: Record PSA Memberships in 2023

In a remarkable feat for Pakistani squash, 22 talented players secured membership with the Professional Squash Association (PSA) in the year 2023. This achievement marks a significant surge, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.

Last Year’s Impressive Turnout

Last year, a total of 26 players from Pakistan registered with PSA, showcasing the highest number of registrations since 2016. The list of distinguished players who earned PSA membership in 2023 is extensive and includes notable names such as Abdullah Nawaz, Amna Malik, Anas Ali, Fardeen Ali, Hashir Kifayat, Karamatullah Khan, Luiza Aftab, Meer Fayaz, Mufakhir Ali, M Ammad, M Anas, M Babar, Ibrahim Mohib, M Raza, M Shehzad Khan, Zaman Khan, Nabeel Ahmed, Nawab Shah, Sadam ul Haq, Sikandar Khan, Talha Zubair, and Zohaib Ali.

Navigating Challenges: A Dip in 2020 Amidst the Pandemic

The year 2020 presented unprecedented challenges with the global outbreak of Covid-19. As a result, only seven Pakistani players were able to register with PSA during that time. The dip in numbers was stark compared to the thriving year of 2019, where 13 players embraced professionalism through PSA membership.

Scrutinizing Policies: PSF’s Approach to Registration

Despite these achievements, concerns arise regarding the Pakistan Squash Federation’s (PSF) adherence to its own policies. The federation had established a policy during its 43rd Executive Committee meeting on July 31, 2018, stipulating that only players within the top 20 national ranking would be eligible for PSA membership.

However, reports suggest that the PSF may not be consistently implementing this policy, leading to players outside the top 20 acquiring PSA memberships. This discrepancy raises questions about fairness and adherence to established regulations.

Unveiling a Loophole: Foreign Visas and Citizenship Aspirations

A significant loophole in the PSF policy has surfaced, with some players obtaining visas for foreign countries under the guise of seeking employment rather than actively participating in squash. This exploitation of the system allows players to secure PSA membership, participate in international events, and potentially reside in foreign countries illegally with hopes of obtaining citizenship.

Conclusion: Balancing Triumphs and Challenges

As Pakistani squash continues to make strides on the global stage, it is essential for the Pakistan Squash Federation to address and rectify any inconsistencies in its policies. The influx of players achieving PSA membership signifies the nation’s growing presence in international squash, yet a transparent and fair system is crucial to maintaining the sport’s integrity.

In summary, the year 2023 has seen a remarkable surge in PSA memberships for Pakistani players, but vigilance and adherence to policies are imperative to sustain this momentum and ensure a level playing field for all aspiring squash professionals.

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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