THE Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe (SRAZ) is looking forward to the resumption of the sport, with an emphasis now on next year’s events following the havoc created by covid-19 this year.
The sport was dealt a major blow this year as the advent of covid-19 saw all activities being put on hold.
Squash was not spared, with Zimbabwean athletes found on the receiving end as they could not take part in any local or international competitions.
The Sport and Recreation Commission, however, brought a sigh of relief to the sport’s stakeholders after lifting the lid for local action to resume.
Squash Rackets Association of Zimbabwe president Lucky Mlilo says players must now sharpen themselves for next year’s tournaments.
“What that entails is that our players can now start playing squash and get ready for next year because we cannot hold all of the major tournaments this year. The major tournament, Zim Open is normally held in August and we cannot hold it so we will just practise and get fit for next year.”
The impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on the sport was adverse as a number of players and coaches rely on its survival, while a number of important tournaments have been missed following the green light to resume international activities by the World Squash Federation and the Professionals Squash Association in August.
Two weeks ago, Zimbabwe missed the Growth Point ITP in Pretoria where the country had been invited to participate.
Other missed events include the PSA tournament in Egypt and others in Manchester and Qatar.
The local calendar for next year will be unveiled after the sport’s national mother body’s Annual General Meeting set for December.
However, traditional tournaments such as the Zimbabwe Open, Matabeleland Open, Mashonaland Open and the Zimbabwe Juniors Open are expected to make up next year’s calendar.
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