Owais Rasheed

you & me

Aright-handed Squash player, who has a great potential for the sport, Owais Rasheed is a force to reckon with. He received a bronze medal for Finnis Open and a gold medal for NUST PNSC and DHA Suffa Sports Festival, in 2017. The series of his unabated victories continued in the year 2018 and he received a gold medal for Slovenian and Belarus Junior Open, PSA Falcon Squash Cup, Salim Habib Inter University Squash Championship and Lumps Sport Fest (both junior and senior level). He has also participated in Austria, France, Japan, Korea, Germany and Singapore Junior Championship followed by CNS 18K$ International Open Squash 2018 with distinction. Currently, he is enrolled as an A Level Scholarship Student at Roots College Karachi. Not only is he a national level swimmer, but also a recipient of Sports Excellence Award by DACC and Highest Sports Achiever Award in 2018 and 2019 from Ex-Education Minister (Punjab) Faisal Mushtaq. Owais intends to continue his winning streak this year as well and looking forward to world’s players camp to be held in Egypt this July. This week You! talks to this young athlete, who is making waves in Pakistan...

You! What is the scope of squash for a young player in Pakistan?

Certainly bright! Pakistani squash legends are working very seriously by introducing many new talent hunt programmes besides catering to international circuit events.

You! Don’t you feel offended to hear the stereotypical statements that ‘squash has no future’?

Well to that I would say that winners never quit and quitters never win. Pakistan had already made history in squash, so I take every such statement as my motivation to prove them wrong.

You! Despite having a glorious history in squash, why aren’t we having players like Jahangir and Jahansher?

Squash has changed a lot all over the world. Despite having all the talent in this country, we are not doing internationally well as we are still following old techniques and trainings.

You! How has this sport changed you as a person?

It has helped me see this world with a wider perspective, being more divergent, humble and being independent.

You! Who supported you the most in your family?

My father, grandfather and uncle.

You! Your first international event:

Was back in 2015 Singapore Junior Squash Open.

You! Best part of your field?

Travelling the world and making new friends.

You! The most unforgettable moment of your life is...

When I brought the most coveted gold medal for my beloved country after winning the Slovenian Junior Squash 2018.

You! Your best achievements so far?

Back to back world junior circuit gold medals in Slovenian and Belarus Junior Squash Open 2018.

You! What do you think your biggest assets are?

My faith in Almighty Allah, my family and my love.

You! What are the events you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to International Squash Championship, PSA Challenger World Circuit.

You! Your biggest strength?

My determination and will towards my goals, and the supportive people around me.

You! Who are your ideals now?

In squash, Ali Farag, whom I really look forward to as a player. Currently, he is world’s no 2 player and a Harvard University graduate.

You! Who do you think is the style icon among the international players of squash?

The Columbian Cannonball Miguel Angel Rodriguez.

You! Your specialty as a player?

My fitness level, physique and my will.

You! What qualities do you think are important for an international player?

Proper discipline, schedule and being focused.

You! Your goals...

My goals are to be a world class player and get into the top university to study.

You! If you couldn’t be a squash player who would you like to be:

Imran Khan, such a determined, influential leader.

You! How do you maintain your fitness?

2 to 3 sessions of intense training including gym trainings, squash trainings followed by a proper diet plan.

You! The most unforgettable achievement of your life is?

Representing my country at the international level and standing at the top after claiming the title.

You! What does this sport hold for the girls in Pakistan?

PSF has now started conducting many international events for girls as well and providing equal opportunities to them.

You! Your message to emerging players!

Aim high and never stop believing in you yourself. Also, never forget the two major fundamentals of life i.e. love and respect.