ISLAMABAD, DEC 07 (DNA) –  Serena Hotels, in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Squash Federation, held a press conference announcing the beginning of the International Squash Series 2017 consisting of two international squash championships– the Chief of Air Staff International Women’s Championship and the Pakistan Open Men’s Squash Championship 2017 in Islamabad starting from December 17 till December 24.

Serena Hotels decided four years ago to reclaim the legacy of squash in Pakistan under it Sports Diplomacy initiative. Since the inception of the Serena Hotels-Chief of Air Staff International Squash Championship, there has been an increase in local squash tournaments and championships and increasing numbers of internationalplayers are coming to Pakistan to compete. This year world ranking players from Egypt, Hong Kong, Malaysia, England, Australia, USA, India, France, Spain, Wales, Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, and Iran have confirmed their participation and will compete with Pakistani players.

Sports Diplomacy is an integral part of Serena’s efforts to build stronger relations with communities. Sports are an important medium for bringing people together and participation in sports helps in improve leadership, teamwork, and communication skills along with promoting a healthier lifestyle and presenting a positive image of the country internationally.

Mr. Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, said, “Pakistan has a tradition of excellence in many sports but in recentyears it has been harder for our players to excel in competitive sports internationally. Up to 25 years ago Pakistani squash players were the best in the world and every person in the country knew their names, some of those great players are with us today. Serena Hotels believes that our athletes can again win international fame provided they have the support of organizations through training, sponsorships and promotion. We are proud to partner with the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Squash Federation to revive interest in the game of Squash.”.=DNA

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