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29-Sep-05:
WISPA Promotional
Tour Hits Jordan
Following their successful visit last week to Turkey,
the world's top two women squash players Rachael Grinham and
Vanessa Atkinson began the second leg of the 2005 WISPA Promotional Tour
in Jordan, a country that none of the party had visited before. The current
tour is the latest initiative in WISPA's continuing drive to promote women's
squash around the world.
In some ways Jordan is similar to Turkey, in that they both have a history
stretching back into times that need to be assessed by carbon dating – in
Jordan’s case there are remains dating from Palaeolithic and Neolithic
times. Yet both countries only took their current form last century: Turkey
in 1923, and Jordan as a result of the carving up of Arab lands in 1921.
The base for the three days in the Kingdom was the capital Amman, a modern
city of around 1.5 million people. On arrival, the two players and WISPA
Executive Director Andrew Shelley were introduced to the driving forces of
Jordanian squash at a traditional Arab dinner. Jordan Squash Federation
committee members from the north and south of the country were in
attendance, along with JSF President Anas Al-Tal and Vice President
Iyad Kamal, who also coordinated the visit.
Squash
History in Jordan
The WISPA guests learned that squash in Jordan harks back to 1970s, when the
first few courts were built, supported by Prince Hassan – a regular player
who had enjoyed squash during his time in Pakistan.
The first JSF President was Jaudat Abdul Munem, a pilot who had also
been exposed to squash overseas. He would bring his friends to the new
courts at the Hassan Squash Centre, and they, together with a smattering of
Jordanians who had worked overseas and foreign business people in Amman,
formed the nucleus of the small squash community.
The Amman programme for Grinham and Atkinson started with a press conference
attended by a throng of journalists and a few TV cameramen too. The purpose
of the visit - as WISPA’s initiative in supporting developing the game in a
small way by providing a media focus and an opportunity for local players to
see some stars - was explained. The result was articles and photos in Al
Rayi, Al Dustour and Al Gade, the top three national newspapers, amongst
others.
Following the conference, an opening ceremony took place at the excellent
Hassan facilities featuring a centre court with rows stretching so far up
that spectators would probably need to establish a base camp before
attempting to climb to the top row! A parade of youngsters from several
clubs across the country preceded an opening match featuring two boys who
will surely become PSA stars of the future. Mohahed Siraj, an under seven
sprite with a serve to die for, cleaned up against Hamzeh Zubaidi, a full
three years and many clothing sizes bigger. His elder brother Ahmed also
features strongly and proud father Khalil is already planning a big future
for them.
During the two days at the centre, the place resembled an ants' nest of boys
and girls, teenagers and adults, swarming around and in the courts, rackets
in hand, moving without pattern but filling the building. The only time that
the place settled down was when the seating was filled to watch Grinham
playing Atkinson; the world number one from Australia sneaking home against
the world champion from the Netherlands on a raft of corkscrews and the rest
of her armoury.
We need
your Children!
Amongst the dozens of players was vivacious Ghazwa Najada who is
currently ranked two amongst the women. She started in 1992 aged 11,
encouraged by an uncle who had played in Pakistan. “We were curious, so with
my sister Majd we tried hitting the ball,” said Ghazwa.
Indeed, Majd went on to become the best in the country until being sidelined
by motherhood. “My sister was better than me. I played for fun, but Majd
stayed all day in the court,” explained Ghazwa, who still plays but find
that the demands of her work at the Hussein Cancer Centre Resources
Department give her less time than she would like. But that didn’t stop her
getting on court with Grinham and laughing her way through a fun game in a
similar manner to another younger squash-playing sister Shahid, currently
ranked one place below her.
Ghazwa is also trying to encourage the youngsters through her own coaching.
“Give me your children. I need the small ones!” is her cry to her friends.
But as the Jordan Squash Academy, which started last year, gets moving there
are already formal relationships with schools so that 6 – 12 year olds are
given the chance to try squash.
When asked about girls, Ghazwa says: "The Federation is dying to get them,
as so far we do not have many."
The policy of building the base was very much echoed by all involved with
JSF. Federation President Anas-Al Tal is a driving force in business
- a member of his country’s Olympic Committee, Vice President of the Arab
Squash Federation and a squash player who wants to see his country awaken
fully from the slumbers of ten years or so.
His own playing started in 1970 as an occasional foray in addition to his
soccer. But then he got roped into helping to form the national association
in 1979, and being involved during the years of the 1980s when there was
vibrancy about Jordanian squash which saw the nation as a major player in
the region. For various reasons, as he puts it, there was a gap in activity
until recently. But he certainly has the bit between his teeth now since
taking over the helm at JSF.
“We are focusing on the children starting at six years old. We have a
strategy and a policy and we want schools to make squash an activity,” says
the President. "We have a very good infrastructure across Jordan but we need
to find more players so that we can develop more good ones. We have
contacted over 40 schools and they bring their children for coaching without
paying. We also have a good new trainer to make the programme work,” he
explains. The trainer in question is youthful and experienced Hatem Hassan,
from Egypt, who started a month ago and will spearhead the operation.
"She has
a good volley, but ..."
Meanwhile, on court there was some serious squash taking place. The previous
evening, over a second superb supper, national number one Alaa Harb
was rashly telling Grinham that he would beat her. Wagering with his friends
saw Alaa’s dinars at risk! However, when it came to the best of three
encounters he went down the same way as so many players before him on WISPA
Promos. He is certainly talented and the 23-year-old says he would like to
join PSA “if given a chance”, but had to admit that he had lost to a player
who “was very tough”.
Next up was national number two Badr Hejazi, a student of business
administration. He lost too, finding that Atkinson was also too hard a nut
to crack. “She has a very good volley, but I am coming back and will do
better next time!” he vowed.
There was also a succession of players of all ages who had a game with the
WISPA women. Indeed there was a regular queue of pint-sized juniors strung
along the front row, the front of which was at the door to the court! Many
autographs were given, some on playing shirts provided by sponsors Aramex,
and a few on bare skin which will only endure until the youngsters are
dragged into the bathroom at home!
There were certainly a satisfying number of girls watching and playing as
JSF are totally behind the girls as they have been for some years. 20 year
old Majd El Khateb, the spirited current top female, played Grinham
and was elated by the opportunity. “It was a great honour to play the world
number one and I have certainly learned a few new shots to practice,” she
said, before adding: ”You are playing the boys next, beat them up good!”
Everyone was there
Unexpectedly present were the Iraqi national squash squad who had been
hosted by JSF for training in Amman for two weeks. They enjoyed the action
and got on court themselves. Their Head of Delegation Falah Mahdi Alshami
is President of a Federation that boasts only one facility at present, a
six-court centre in Baghdad, but with support from their neighbours they are
trying to improve their standard. Neither Grinham nor Atkinson swallowed the
suggestion that a WISPA event has been arranged in Baghdad, but it is hoped
that peace and normality will be resumed over coming years so that their
dream of visitors coming to their courts will eventually be realised.
Somebody else enjoying the action was the head of the Jordanian Olympic
Committee, Abdul Ghani Taballat. He is a squash enthusiast and is
very supportive of JSF. Indeed, he had been heavily involved in the early
years of squash in the country. While he said that he had retired from
playing as he was now too old, his mention of a veterans league that may
shortly be formed could just mean that he may yet make a comeback.
JSF vice president Iyad Kamal had taken a major role in arrangements,
and astutely waited until the very end of proceedings before challenging
Grinham, hoping that she would be tired and vulnerable. But his planning
counted for nothing as on weekend court proceedings ended with him
comfortably taking second place! His playing credentials as a top regional
player over a decade ago were top notch though, and it was only lack of time
to play in recent years that clearly blunted his challenge. His energies are
now targeted more off-court, supporting his president.
“The players are not disciplined enough now,” he said. “I don’t know, maybe
there is not enough support from the Federation, maybe we don’t give them
enough in return. What is for sure is that the more clubs we have the better
it will be. We will have ladders and leagues, and Hatem Hassan, from a
technical point of view, will make key programmes for our players,” he
affirmed.
Asked about the benefits of the WISPA visit, Al-Tal explained: “We felt that
maybe people thought that there was no squash here, so we wanted something
shiny so that the people will hear about us. As a salesman you have to enter
the market in a strong way and create a ringing in their ear." The WISPA
days in Amman certainly appeared to do that, and there is no doubt that Al-Tal
and his team will continue to build strong foundations for the future. |
"Give me your children. I need the small
ones!"
Ghazwa Najada |
"WISPA events are our professional end business, but to be able to go
out annually into smaller squash communities is something we think is
important.
"Both Turkey and Jordan have shown us that enthusiasm for our sport is
completely international and we are so grateful for the opportunity to
have been able to share a few days with each of them.
"I am certain that
the relationships will continue."
"The financial support that Tom Tarantino has given to these
tours, coupled with the wonderful way in which players give their time
freely each year, mixed with the hospitality where we go, makes this
both possible and rewarding."
Andrew Shelley |
Last word from Vanessa ...
"It may be hard work, but such a brilliant interlude from events.
"This was my second WISPA Promo Tour and I need to hold on to the World
Open title so that I get asked again!"
Vanessa Atkinson |
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23-Sep-05:
WISPA Finds Turkish Delight In Istanbul
Andrew Shelley reports from Turkey
The two-stop WISPA Promotional Tour
2005 – the latest initiative in the Association's continuing drive to
promote women's squash around the world - touched down first in a unique
city: the only one in the world spreading across two continents!
Istanbul straddles the Bogazi (internationally known as the Bosphorus) with
its historic Byzantine and Ottoman roots both teetering on the very edge of
Europe, together with the half across the narrow strait in Asia. It offers a
fragrant mix of minarets seemingly combining spearing clouds while pinning
down mosques, blended with yahs, the old wooden villas, and mixed with the
modern glass and concrete trappings of a major conurbation.
Having concluded their clash in the final of the PMI Seattle Open a week
ago, world numbers one and two Rachael Grinham and Vanessa Atkinson had
offered their time to help the young Turkish Federation as they promote the
sport.
Vibrant Welcome
Neither they, nor WISPA Executive Director Andrew Shelley had alighted in
Turkey before, but knew from the moment they landed that the whole
atmosphere of the city boded well for an excellent three days. Adding the
clearly vibrant squash federation team led by its young lady President
Ayten Kececi and success seemed assured.
The programme was centred on the impressive Hillside City Club – Trio, the
largest health club in Turkey. One of two Hillside Clubs, this one is on the
Asian side of the watery separation that links the Black and Marmera Seas.
Barely two years old, Trio boasts a fitness area that seemed to extend as
far as the eye can see – as well as the four glass-backed squash courts and
an adjacent one for racketball. In addition are all manner of other health
and fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pool, and no less than a seven
screen cinema. Throw in a crèche, Starbucks outlet, eateries and more
besides and it is little wonder that it is a success story. If only they
could throw in a few beds nobody would ever have a reason to leave!
Impressive Facilities
As the squash unfolded, sports manager Ant Fuatoglu looked on. He
explained that the two Hillside clubs boast six of the rough total of one
hundred courts in the country and would not hesitate to include more in any
new centres that they build.
“Squash is very popular, we are full every evening,” said Fuatoglu. "Our
people really like squash, and for the top two players in the world to come
to my club is very good for us. There have already been many newspaper
introductions in recent days,” he added. This preview coverage included a
photo feature in Hurriyet, the largest national newspaper, so the profile of
squash was being given a boost even before the Tour began.
Down on the courts, a variety of local players of differing standards were
challenging the WISPA stars with predictable results. Turkish number three
Aynur Yilmaz, a schoolteacher, had a lung-bursting encounter with
Atkinson. As she savoured the experience afterwards, Yilmaz admitted she had
been nervous at the start. “But then it was alright and I enjoyed it very
much,” she said.
A Tasty Dish ...
Seda Akdemur, a local restaurateur suddenly found herself on the menu
as she was fed to Atkinson! After only playing for three months, she found
herself exchanging shots with the world champion. “I can hardly believe it,
it’s cool,” said the Istanbullu (apparently the term for a person from
Istanbul, and who are WISPA to argue!).
Asked how she started on the squash road, Seda said that she had walked past
a court and thought I can do this!
“I don’t concentrate well and my technique is not good but I am learning,”
said Seda. But this was immediately contradicted by Atkinson: "She already
hits the ball well. She has potential,” the Dutch star insisted.
Besotted with Squash
Kenan Hamdioglu was another of the raft of people completely besotted
with squash. As with every previous WISPA Promotional Tour, the group came
upon so many. After a career in the navy and a few years as a professional
volleyball player, Kenan stumbled across squash by chance in his mid
thirties.
He had, to the extent that now aged 41 the tourist guide is national number
three. (It is unlikely that his self-taught successful efforts will cause
the coaching fraternity alarm that their world will come crashing down, but
it is a testament that the lack of infrastructure will not stop love affairs
with squash blossoming).
But not content with what he had managed, Kenan embarked upon helping
others. “We have problems with no coaches so I have compiled a squash book
to raise interest for others to share in squash. We must start with school
children so that squash becomes their habit,” he says. The true enthusiast,
who really enjoyed trying out his skills against both WISPA women! And if
the Turkish Federation ever wants to employ a development officer they need
look no further than Kenan!
Turkish Trensdetters
The story of Turkish Squash revolves around two people and an interesting
juxtaposition. First up is Tunc (pronounced Tunch) Limasollu
who was based in Norwich, England, during the 1980’s. He played some squash
there and returned home to find that the Istanbul Hilton had built two
courts a year or two earlier in 1986 … the first in the country.
He was able to carry on himself and enthuse others, including a young girl,
the aforementioned Ayten Kececi. She is now the national number one,
President of the Federation (and a world away from the crusty wizened image
of the normal holders of the position!) …… and he is on her committee. Roles
are reversed at the publishing company Tunc runs, since he employs her
there!
Tunc tells of the first Hillside Club which was built in 1990, followed by
some hotels and resorts adding courts, and now more health clubs following
suit. Squash is certainly developing from its recent beginnings, and under
the thrusting stewarding of the president is destined to go far. The base is
small and the playing standard low, as one might expect from a young
country, but that is set to change.
Ayten, a marketing tyro, expects the first representative Turkish team to
attend an international event very soon, though being creative she has found
a new way!
While there are some courts in Ankara, the capital, Istanbul’s 15 million
population is five times greater - so it is from the Bosphorus that the
development ripples will have to spread across the nation.
Top Support
One local asset is that Turkish Olympic Committee President Togay Bayatli
very genuinely supports squash. He enthusiastically watched two evenings of
play, and though he conveniently cited a bad shoulder injury when invited to
hit a few balls with one of the WISPA stars, you felt that he really would
have liked to.
Bayatli explained his disappointment that not enough of his fellow delegates
in Singapore had voted for squash to get into the London Games in 2012, but
is convinced that squash will make that step up sooner or later.
Before play resumed on the final evening, the WISPA group immersed
themselves in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar (and what self-respecting
Arab-influenced trading city cannot boast a decent souk!). They also took in
a little of the history at the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans
from the fifteenth Century until the dynasty was dismantled by Attaturk when
he formed the Republic in 1923 - handily finding a name to give the country
by using his own!
On TV Too ...
The last evening of play and coaching saw the arrival of two TV crews and
more representatives of the written Turkish media. These included another
visit by Hurriyet. All this activity ensured that more of the population now
knows about squash and may even encourage a few sponsors to emerge. There is
no doubt whatsoever that the inspiring enthusiasm of the small squash
community alone will take the sport a long way in Attaturk’s domain.
Ferda Eren, another local player who took to the court, summed up
their reactions: Entranced by what she had been a part of, she told a
journalist: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch the top players and
even play with them. I really hope it becomes a tradition here!”
Meanwhile the summary of the three days from Ayten Kececi focused on
the benefits that she hopes will flow from the WISPA presence. “All the
players here have had a chance to watch the best players in squash. They are
very happy. I hope that in the future that we will have more players and
junior players as a result of this."
Part two of the WISPA Promotional Tour will now unfold in Amman, the capital
city of Jordan in the coming days.
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Rachael and Vanessa
at Topkapi Palace
"I didn’t know there was such a game.
My friend invited me to the squash court and I was surprised."
“I had no coach but I learned to play by books and after two years I had
completed my learning.”
Kenan Hamdioglu |
"I met some Turkish squash-playing guys
living in Germany and they will go as a Turkish Team to the European
Nations Challenge Cup for emerging nations in Estonia at the end of
October. Our players from here cannot afford to go as they have to pay
for themselves.
"I am hopeful of some government support next year – and that will
change everything."
Ayten Kececi
Pictured with Tunch Limasollu |
with the top three Turkish women (L to R) Ayten Kececi, Birgul Ankarali and
Aynur Yilmaz.
 "Although
my legs are telling me I have played too many of you, it has been a
great few days in your brilliant city.
"I hope we come back again soon."
Rachael Grinham |
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16-Sep-05:
Rivalry On Hold For
Latest WISPA Tour
The world's top two women squash players will put their rivalry on hold next
week when they lead the seventh annual WISPA Promotional Tour to Turkey
and Jordan.
Last Sunday in the USA, Australia's Rachael Grinham beat world
champion Vanessa Atkinson in the final of the Seattle Open to extend
her reign as world number one – maintaining her lead ahead of her Dutch
rival who remains at two.
This weekend, the pair - together with WISPA's Executive Director Andrew
Shelley - will arrive in the Turkish city of Istanbul to begin the
eight-day tour of the two countries, which will feature exhibitions,
clinics, press conferences and meetings with sports bodies in Istanbul and
the Jordan capital Amman, organised in close co-operation with the
countries' National Squash Federations.
The 2005 tour is the latest initiative in the Women's International Squash
Players' Association's continuing drive to promote women's squash around the
world.
"It's good to take a break from the Tour in this way, and travel to
'unexplored' parts of the squash world and introduce new audiences to our
sport," said Grinham, the Cairo-based Queenslander. "This is will be my
second WISPA promotional trip – and Vanessa and I are really looking forward
to it."
As in previous years, press conferences and television coverage will bring
squash to the notice of the public, while local squash players will be able
to watch the two WISPA stars - and a lucky few will even get to play a few
points with the players too.
"Another year, another opportunity to fly the flag for international squash
in smaller squash nations where the media and local players can take
advantage of having two top stars coming to them," explained Shelley.
"We can only do a very little to help the development end of the sport, but
take the view that every little bit helps."
WISPA's promotional tour concept was launched
in 1999 with a visit to the Czech Republic. Successive years featured trips
to Jamaica, El Salvador, Peru, Kenya, Thailand, Brunei, Sarawak, Russia and,
last year, China and Nepal.
** The Greece leg of this year's tour has been postponed – and will be
rescheduled for a later visit.
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2004: China
2003: Russia
2002: East
Asia
2001: Kenya
2000: Jamaica
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