PSF slammed over poor show in World Juniors

KARACHI: Pakistani squash lovers from all over the world lambasted Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) on social media over poor results of Pakistani players in World Juniors Individual Championship.

Pakistan’s campaign in World Juniors Individual Championship ended as all four players crashed out of the event in just two days in New Zealand. Three players lost on the first day — two in their first encounter — while one lost in his second match. One player lost in the third round.

“I don’t have words to describe how painful these results are. PSF sets up camps only when events approach. And their camps have no facility. The funds should only be spent on players,” said Sindh’s squash player Suleman Khan.

He added that Pakistan’s squash could become better if all officials and associated people with it showed honesty and sincerity. “If all provinces get same facilities and have squash complexes, in five years we will get good results,” said Suleman.

Jahanzeb Masood, a squash coach based in US, replied to Suleman: “nothing like this will happen.” He added that for the first time in many years Pakistani boys had not even reached the top 16 draw. “Sad news and it shows we have no plans for future,” said Jahanzeb.

Former player Pervaiz Saeed Mir said: “Very sad . . . we are not working for the development and promotion at grass roots and youth squash at national level.” Muhammad Sohail Khan said: “We will lose like this until we have proper system and for that someone has to take initiative.”

Sindh Squash Association (SSA) secretary Amir Khan said that the government had given Rs50 million to PSF in 2016 and Rs50 million in 2017. “But instead of spending this money on players the federation wasted it on Egypt Series and World Series, while Rs4 million was given to a legendary player for his academy,” said Amir.

Sher Khitab, father of a top woman player of the country, said PSF president was perhaps “blind . . . not seeing this all mess and the whole world is laughing at Pakistan squash. “They have destroyed squash at gross root level. Shame. I adore the wisdom of President PSF who spent such a huge amount from the national exchequer just for sending a message to PSA that Pakistan is safe. I salute his wisdom,” said Sher Khitab.

Nasir Iqbal’s brother Tahir said Pakistan’s preparation was much lower than it should have been. “This shows we are ignoring the ground realities about our coaching and training management. Players have potential but we are failing to polish them in specified way to compete against enthusiastic athletes from other nations,” reasoned Tahir.

M Kashif Javed Gill said: “There is not any long term development plan I know and the federation will stay dependant on a few players and families. No coach can perform in this system.”