So
many people asked me that before I went ... Well, I went to Pakistan
because Linda Davie told me to do so… And when Linda says
“Jump”, I say, “How high”…
No, only joking. But she insisted that, if I wanted to go, I would
receive a very warm welcome, and would be very well looked after.
Well I was…
I’ve
met so many people over here, Air Marshall Raashid Kalim, who
I was lucky enough to be introduced to, and who is doing wonders for
squash in Pakistan.
Jamshed and Fahim Gul, who have held a stunning tournament,
which, according to the players, was spotless and extremely well
organised, who couldn't have done more to make my stay a success,
and who gave me the tools to do my job in the best conditions
possible.
Wing
Cdr Fazal, Tournament Director, always there to solve any
problem that may arise, Zulfiqar Ahmad, PSF General
Secretary, whose kindness towards me was greatly appreciated, and
last but not least , Rahmat Khan, whose knowledge of squash
makes me realise how little I know, and much I’ve got to learn…
Not to mention all the others, faces with or without names, always
smiling, always helping, always efficient, warm, funny, friendly…
I’ll miss you guys…
A
special mention to the Referees, who have been doing a
spotless job. After all the rumours, founded or unfounded, I had
heard, I was impressed by the quality, the impartiality, and the
professionalism of the refereeing. The marking was at times not as
good as one would have wished, but I’m sure that it is an issue that
is being addressed…
The Marriott Hotel was superb, broadband connection (most of
the time), complimentary mini-bar, three phones in the room, lounge
on the fifth floor, a staff of high professionalism, friendly and so
warm, not to mention the superb food at the Thai restaurant …
The
police officers in charge of our security were very helpful,
I came to sympathise with one or two, and I have to say we had a few
laughs… No, I’m not joking, we did…
In a few hours, I’ll be gone. But dear Pakistan, if you’ll have me,
I’ll be back. Because I’ve learned to love this country, the people
that I’ve met, and I can’t wait to know more, and more, and more
about you…
HOT PRESS
In his closing speech, at the end of the closing ceremony, the Prime
Minister, Shaukat Aziz, announced that the Government was
going to allocate two million rupees to the development of
Squash in Pakistan.
That is wonderful news for the PSF, and I rejoice, as this gesture
is obviously an encouragement for all the hard work they have
achieved over the last few years…
I’ve
met so many people over here, Air Marshall Raashid Kalim, who
I was lucky enough to be introduced to, and who is doing wonders for
squash in Pakistan.
Wing
Cdr Fazal, Tournament Director, always there to solve any
problem that may arise, Zulfiqar Ahmad, PSF General
Secretary, whose kindness towards me was greatly appreciated, and
last but not least , Rahmat Khan, whose knowledge of squash
makes me realise how little I know, and much I’ve got to learn…
A
special mention to the Referees, who have been doing a
spotless job. After all the rumours, founded or unfounded, I had
heard, I was impressed by the quality, the impartiality, and the
professionalism of the refereeing. The marking was at times not as
good as one would have wished, but I’m sure that it is an issue that
is being addressed…
The
police officers in charge of our security were very helpful,
I came to sympathise with one or two, and I have to say we had a few
laughs… No, I’m not joking, we did…
