KARACHI: Pakistan is set to host another international squash event as the Venus ABC Open Squash Championship, featuring a total prize pool of $82,000, gets underway on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Creek Club, Defence Authority, Karachi.
According to the organisers, the championship, which is part of the international squash calendar, will feature separate men’s and women’s events, with $41,000 in prize money allocated to each category. International players have also begun arriving in Pakistan to participate in the tournament.
The five-day championship will continue until October 25. The top eight seeded players in the opening stage have been awarded byes, allowing them to advance directly to the pre-quarterfinals without playing in the first round.
England’s Chris Malik Leads Men’s Seedings
In the men’s event, England’s Chris Malik, ranked 25th in the world, has been named the top seed. Egypt’s Mostafa El Serty, who holds 48th place in the world rankings, is the second seed.
In the women’s competition, England’s Lucy Turmel, ranked 27th globally, has been awarded the top seeding, while Egypt’s Amina El Rihany, ranked 46th in the world, is the second seed.
Four Pakistani Men and Three Women to Feature
Pakistan will be represented in the men’s event by four players: Asim Khan, Abdullah Nawaz, Nasir Iqbal and Azaan Ali Khan.
In the women’s competition, Sana Bahadur, a deaf and non-speaking athlete from Peshawar, is the only Pakistani woman to have secured direct entry into the event. Rashna Mehboob and Anam Aziz will also compete after receiving wildcard entries.
The championship is expected to provide Pakistani players with a valuable opportunity to showcase their abilities on the international stage and compete against overseas opponents on home soil.
