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Will a woman be our next world champion? Back To Main

Khalid Hussain
 

KARACHI: The next world champion from Pakistan, which has provided a galaxy of stars to international squash over the last six decades, could be a woman!

Jonathon Power, Canada’s former world champion, believes that one of his charges – a 21-year-old from the terrorist-infested region of South Waziristan – has the talent and drive to become the world’s best player.

The youngster’s name is Maria Toor Pakay, who established herself as Pakistan’s best female squash player back in 2007, before moving to Toronto last year to train under Power, the most successful North American squash player of all time.

“Maria certainly has all the talent and the desire to become the world’s best player. There are still many steps to go but she is moving fast through each of them,” Power told ‘The News’ in an interview from Toronto. ”She will bring the trophy and the glory back to Pakistan.”

Power, 38, took the Bannu-born Maria under his wing last year after receiving a letter from her in Toronto.

“I received a very well written letter from a young woman who wanted to be the best and was prepared to travel half way around the world away from her family to achieve her goals. I have a soft spot for Pakistani squash because of how much I have learned from the great players of Pakistan’s rich squash history. So I wanted to give back in my way,” said Power.

Power who heads the National Squash Academy of Canada in Toronto was impressed by Maria’s talent and mental toughness.

“She has great racquet speed and has an uncanny ability to learn. She also has a mental toughness that I have not seen very often.”

Just months after landing in Toronto, Maria won her first international title last month in the United States. She clinched the Liberty Bell Open title in Berwyn, Philadelphia after entering the tournament as a qualifier. Maria didn’t drop a single game as she thrashed higher-seeded opponents on her way to the crown.

In May 2008, Maria rose to number 66 in the international rankings — her career-best position to date. Currently she is ranked No 89 in the international women’s rankings.