Muhammad Waqas Ahmed of Pakistan beat Abdul Jalil of Afghanistan in straight games but favourite Pakistani Wajid Ali lost to an Indian P.Kashyap on the opening day of The Pakistan Challenge International Badminton Tournament at Liaqat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex, on Sunday.
More than 50 players from 11 countries are participating in this tournament which is the biggest International badminton event ever held in Pakistan. Pakistan Sports Trust and Bank Alfalah are jointly sponsoring the event. Interior Minister, In a colourful opening ceremony inaugurated the tournament.
In the welcoming address Syed Naqi Mohsin, Senior Vice President Pakistan Badminton Federation described the holding of this tournament in these difficult times as a remarkable achievement.
The Chief Guest lauded the efforts of Pakistan Badminton Federation for holding such a prestigious tournament. Bobby Milroy of Canada who is also President of International Badminton Players Association described the tournament as the biggest tournament in this part of the World.
Vemuri Sudhakar is the referee in place for the matches who has the experience of three Olympics Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney. The most interesting match on the opening day was between Wajid Ali of Pakistan and Kashyap of India, which Wajid Ali lost in hard a fought three sets match by 9-21/21-18/19-21.