India withdraws from women’s world team Squash championship

India has withdrawn from the women’s world team Squash championship scheduled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from December 15 to 20, citing lack of preparation, time and match-readiness of its players.

Squash Rackets Federation of India Secretary Cyrus Poncha said the top players were consulted before the withdrawal.

“Due to uncertainties regarding guidelines for the safe travel of our athletes and staff for national & international tournaments (yet to be obtained from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) & Sports Authority of India (SAI)), coupled with lack of preparation time and match readiness of athletes, and after consulting our top players, the SRFI has decided to withdraw from the championship,” he said in a press release.

The WSF and Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) have been constantly monitoring the scenario arising out of the global health crisis.

Considering the August 15 deadline, the SRFI had requested the WSF for an extension for registration which was not given, the release said.

“The SRFI is also waiting for guidelines from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) & Sports Authority of India (SAI) for international participation with top priority being safety and security of the players and staff for any international event,” it said.