Air Force Open Squash Aug 21 to 28

by Ranjan Anandappa

SQUASH: The 7th Open Air Force Squash Championship will be from August 21 to 28 with the inauguration of their new six court Squash Complex situated at Ratmalana.

The winners of the men's and women's events will receive a cash prize while the other winners will be presented with trophies and certificates.

As in the past, the Sri Lanka Air Force has extended invitations to their counterparts in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Malaysia to take part in this annual tournament. The four countries have already confirmed, and the tourney will no doubt be a very competitive one.

At a press briefing held at the Air Force Headquarters at Parsons Road, Colombo, Air Vice Marshall Asoka Amunugama, Chairman Squash SLAF said that the tournament began as a non ranking tournament during the 50th year celebrations of the Air Force, and is happy that it has received the full ranking status.

"The players from the other four countries,specially the Malaysians are very strong at this sport. This should enable our players to share the experience and do well in their future endeavours. The Squash Complex is not only confined to the Air Force, but for others, and for whatever good for the development of the sport. Squash is gaining popularity judging by the increasing number of entries and the sponsors who are willing to come forward, Hayleys are ready to join hands for the uplift of the sport and will be the sponsors", said Amunugama.

Oliver Guruge, the President of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation, said that the Air Force is a trend-setter with new ideas, new ventures and with the 50th Jubilee Celebrations this tournament was initiated, and since then it has been a popular event. The Squash Complex was the brainchild of Air Vice Marshall Asoka Amunugama and it has filled a void and the Squash Federation will take the opportunity to introduce squash to the adjacent towns to create more awareness.

All top ranked players, men, women, boys and girls under 9,11,13,15,17,19,men and women novices will also take part in this 8-day tournament. It also consists events for Men's Intermediate (Over 35), Masters over 45, 50 and a 'Plate' event for Men's Open losers in the first and second round and Men's and Women's novices.

Entries should be handed over directly to the Sri Lanka Squash Federation Secretariat, at the Tamil Union C&AC on or before 5pm on August 16th 2010. The age cut off date will be as at August 28th 2010.

The finals will be on August 28 (Saturday) at 4.30 pm. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshall Roshan Goonethilake will be the chief guest and give away the awards.

The others who were present at the press briefing were Group Captain R.S. Biyanwila (Sec. SLAF Sports Council), Wing Commander Jaliya Jayasekera (Sec. SLAF Squash).