The men's World Open squash to be held in India next month has been postponed, promoters said today, landing a body blow to the already beleaguered sport.
The 150,000-dollar event, due to be held in Bombay from December 3rd to 9th, was put off due to security concerns, officials said.
"It is with great regret that we have had to reach this decision due to the political and security ramifications of the war in Afghanistan," said Anil Singh of promoters Procam International.
Talks are on with the Professional Squash Association (PSA) to fix new dates and a venue for the event, Singh added.
The World Open has not been held since 1999 because of lack of sponsors, but Procam had guaranteed prize-money for four years.
The cancellation of the World Open comes days after the prestigious Pakistan Open was put off because of the US-led strikes in neighbouring Afghanistan.
The Open is the fourth sporting event in India after the Afro-Asian Games, world tennis doubles and Champions Challenge hockey to be cancelled because of the war in Afghanistan.
AFP